Chennai Tremendous Kings have formally ended the hypothesis surrounding their captaincy plans for IPL 2026. Regardless of bringing in Sanju Samson by a high-profile commerce with Rajasthan Royals that additionally noticed Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran transfer the opposite manner, CSK have made it clear that Ruturaj Gaikwad will proceed as their skipper. Samson, who has led RR since 2021, was broadly seen as a powerful captaincy contender following his transfer to Chennai. Even India legend Anil Kumble recommended on Star Sports activities that the wicketkeeper-batter might be an appropriate choice to take over management duties after MS Dhoni’s period. “After Dhoni, he might be captain,” Kumble had mentioned whereas analyzing the Samson Jadeja commerce, predicting potential disappointment for Gaikwad.
Nevertheless, CSK put all rumors to relaxation on Saturday by posting a photograph of Gaikwad on X with the caption “LEAD THE WAY, CAPTAIN RUTURAJ GAIKWAD!” confirming their belief within the opener.
LEAD THE WAY, CAPTAIN RUTURAJ GAIKWAD!#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/EawvX5k2yI—Chennai Tremendous Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 15, 2025
Gaikwad assumed captaincy forward of IPL 2024, taking up from Dhoni. Dhoni returned to the function briefly final season after Gaikwad suffered an elbow harm. Gaikwad had been bought by CSK within the 2019 public sale for ₹20 lakh and was retained for ₹6 crore earlier than IPL 2022. In 71 matches, he has collected 2502 runs at a strike price of 137.47, together with two centuries and 20 fifties. His maiden IPL hundred got here in 2021 with an unbeaten 101 towards RR, a season the place he additionally gained the Orange Cap and the Rising Participant award. He began final season nicely earlier than a fracture to the radial neck of his elbow, sustained towards RR, ended his marketing campaign.
Samson, however, leaves RR after 149 matches by which he scored 4027 runs, registering two centuries and 23 half-centuries.
Retentions & Releases
The 5 time champions CSK have launched younger Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana from their squad.
Retained Gamers: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Ayush Mhatre, MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Mukesh Choudhary, Nathan Ellis.
Launched Gamers: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Sam Curran, Deepak Hooda, Vijay Shankar, Shaik Rasheed, Matheesha Pathirana, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Rahul Tripathi, Vansh Bedi, Andre Siddarth.