The Chennai Tremendous Kings have formally introduced their captain for the upcoming IPL 2026 season, placing an finish to all hypothesis following the blockbuster commerce that introduced Sanju Samson to the franchise. The affirmation got here on the IPL retention deadline day, shortly after CSK accomplished one of many greatest commerce offers in league historical past.
Gaikwad Retains Management Regardless of Main Squad Overhaul
CSK’s resolution to proceed with Gaikwad underscores their dedication to long-term management continuity. Gaikwad first took cost in 2024 and, regardless of an injury-disrupted 2025 marketing campaign, the franchise stays assured in his potential to steer a new-look squad. The staff introduced the choice by a daring social media message: “Cleared the path, Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.”
LEAD THE WAY, CAPTAIN RUTURAJ GAIKWAD!__#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/EawvX5k2yI—Chennai Tremendous Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 15, 2025
Sanju Samson’s Arrival Sparks Debate, However CSK Keep Agency
The commerce that despatched Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals in trade for Sanju Samson dominated headlines throughout the cricket world. Samson, an skilled IPL captain himself, was seen by many as a possible contender for CSK’s management. Nevertheless, the franchise clearly views him as a premium batting addition slightly than a captaincy alternative, signaling an outlined management construction for the approaching season.
Eleven Gamers Launched to Start a Recent Cycle
Forward of the 2026 mega public sale, CSK launched as many as 11 gamers, choosing a near-fresh slate. The numerous departures are:- Matheesha Pathirana, Devon Conway, Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth, Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, together with veterans like Jadeja, replicate a shift in direction of rebuilding a squad that may carry out persistently over the subsequent three-year cycle.
Checklist of Gamers retained by CSK:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary.