Chennai: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could be heading towards a major leadership change after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, with former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary suggesting that Sanju Samson should replace current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain next season.

CSK’s struggles this year have brought several issues to the forefront, but Gaikwad’s form with the bat and his impact as a leader have drawn the most scrutiny. With the franchise set to miss the playoffs, discussions around rebuilding the team have already begun, and leadership appears to be at the centre of it.

Gaikwad’s underwhelming season impacts leadership

Ruturaj Gaikwad entered IPL 2026 with significant expectations, especially after being entrusted with the responsibility of leading one of the league’s most successful franchises. However, his performances have not matched those expectations.

The right-handed opener scored 321 runs in 13 matches at an average of 29.18 and a strike rate of 120.68, numbers that fall short of the standards required in modern T20 cricket. Although he registered two half-centuries, he struggled to maintain consistency and failed to provide strong starts in the powerplay.

According to Tiwary, Gaikwad’s lack of runs has directly affected his captaincy. He pointed out that a captain’s confidence often stems from personal form, and without that, decision-making and on-field presence can suffer.

“A captain can only be positive when he himself is scoring runs. But he isn’t scoring runs. He is lacking that fluency,” Tiwary said during a discussion.

Big shoes of MS Dhoni remain difficult to fill

The transition from MS Dhoni to Gaikwad has been one of the most challenging phases for CSK. Dhoni’s legacy as one of the most successful captains in IPL history continues to cast a long shadow over his successor.

Tiwary emphasised that comparing Gaikwad to Dhoni may not be fair at this stage, but also highlighted that the young skipper needs to carve his own path.

“There isn’t any shoe of that size yet. He should focus on building his own legacy,” he said, advising Gaikwad to analyse his past performances and work on areas that need improvement.

Despite CSK proving that they can win matches without Dhoni, his absence as a leader and wicketkeeper remains deeply felt within the team structure.

Sanju Samson emerges as a strong candidate

Amid growing concerns around Gaikwad’s captaincy, Sanju Samson has emerged as a potential replacement. The Rajasthan Royals skipper has built a reputation for aggressive batting and proactive leadership, qualities that align well with the demands of modern T20 cricket.

Tiwary believes that Samson’s prior captaincy experience makes him a suitable candidate to lead CSK into the IPL 2027 season. He pointed out that Samson has already demonstrated his ability to manage a team effectively while also contributing significantly with the bat.

“Samson is in the fray. And it will be a good decision as well,” Tiwary said, suggesting that CSK might have a long-term plan involving the Kerala batter.

Samson’s ability to score quickly in the powerplay and maintain a high strike rate could also address one of CSK’s biggest weaknesses this season—slow starts at the top.

CSK’s rebuilding phase likely to begin

With IPL 2026 nearing its conclusion for CSK, the franchise is expected to enter a rebuilding phase. The team management will need to evaluate multiple aspects, including team composition, batting order, bowling strategies, and leadership structure.

Tiwary stressed that irrespective of where CSK finish this season, decisions regarding the future must be taken with a long-term vision in mind.

“Gaikwad has been the captain for two seasons… but they have to decide. Samson is the best person,” he said, reinforcing his stance on a potential captaincy change.

The emergence of new players and the need to adapt to evolving T20 dynamics will also play a crucial role in shaping CSK’s strategy going forward.

Conclusion

Chennai Super Kings find themselves at a crossroads after a disappointing IPL 2026 season. While Ruturaj Gaikwad’s tenure as captain has shown glimpses of promise, inconsistent performances have raised valid concerns about his long-term suitability for the role.

Manoj Tiwary’s suggestion to consider Sanju Samson as captain reflects a broader sentiment that CSK may need a fresh approach to stay competitive. However, any decision will likely involve careful deliberation, balancing continuity with the need for change.

As the franchise looks ahead to IPL 2027, the leadership question will remain a key storyline, with Gaikwad’s future as captain hanging in the balance.