The leadership role of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is under debate ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The debate started with Sanju Samson’s entry into the team. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that CSK management will not make Sanju Samson as their captain anytime soon.
For the IPL 2026 season, Chennai Super Kings will continue with their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. The management appointed Gaikwad as the successor to former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni, who is nearing the final chapter of his career as a cricketer.
Why should Chennai Super Kings not appoint Sanju Samson as captain in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad?
Kaif told that Sanju Samson has just joined the team and he is a keeper-batsman. Therefore, the team will not put additional pressure on the cricketer right now.
“But I don’t think CSK will make the mistake of giving captaincy to Sanju Samson right now, because he has just joined. You can’t expect him to do everything at once, bat and win matches, take wickets and also captain the team. You don’t want to put the entire burden on him. The plan is to let him gradually grow into the role and eventually step into Dhoni’s shoes. That’s the long-term view,” Mohammad Kaif said in his YouTube video.
CSK management will keep faith in Ruturaj Gaikwad: Kaif
The former cricketer predicted that the management may not change things too much this season, and will continue to support their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“So there won’t be too many changes there. If Gaikwad is given the responsibility, he won’t rush things. He will support him, and I think it would be a wrong decision to give Sanju the captaincy right now. I will explain the reason for this. The reason is that Sanju still doesn’t understand the culture of Chennai completely. He still doesn’t know the expectations of the Chennai fans or the dynamics of the players,” he further explained.
Mohammad Kaif explains why Ruturaj Gaikwad is the ideal man to lead CSK in the IPL 2026 season
Kaif also explained why Gaikwad should remain the captain of CSK as he knows the players well. And, he also knows the nature of the Chennai pitch.
“Gaikwad has been leading for three to four years. He knows Nathan, like where to use him, when to bowl to Noor, when to give him the over, what should be the batting order and what to do on Chennai pitches after winning the toss. All these nuances of the game Sanju will learn after spending a year or two. After that, if you want to hand over the command to him, you can,” Mohammad Kaif further explained in his video.
CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign on March 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. In their opening match of the tournament, they will have to face Sanju Samson’s former team Rajasthan Royals.
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