Chennai: Pressure is mounting on Chennai Super Kings skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad after a string of low scores in the Indian Premier League 2026 season, with former player Subramaniam Badrinath suggesting that Sanju Samson could be considered for the captaincy role.
Gaikwad’s form and captaincy under scrutiny
Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been a part of CSK since 2019, rose to prominence with consistent performances at the top of the order. His standout season came in 2021 when he clinched the Orange Cap with 635 runs and was named Emerging Player of the Year.
However, the ongoing IPL 2026 season has proven to be his toughest yet. Gaikwad’s returns in six matches—6, 28, 7, 15, 7 and 19—highlight a worrying dip in form, especially for a player opening the batting and facing the powerplay.
Badrinath believes the added responsibility of captaincy is affecting Gaikwad’s batting.
Suggestion to hand captaincy to Samson
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Badrinath said it may be worth considering relieving Gaikwad of leadership duties to help him regain focus with the bat.
“It is worth pondering if CSK management will think about removing him as captain and handing the role to Sanju Samson. It’s not that he is failing terribly as captain, but the burden is clearly showing in his batting,” Badrinath said.
He pointed out that Gaikwad appears under visible pressure and suggested that a change in leadership could benefit both the player and the team.
“Six matches is a lot when you are opening in the powerplay and not delivering. He needs to start firing,” he added.
Samson’s presence adds competition
The arrival of Sanju Samson, a high-profile batter and leader in his own right, has intensified the spotlight on Gaikwad. With Samson’s experience and attacking approach, calls for a leadership switch have gained traction among experts and fans alike.
However, such a decision would be a significant move for CSK, a franchise known for backing its players through difficult phases.
Dhoni’s absence felt in finishing overs
Badrinath also highlighted the absence of MS Dhoni as a major factor in CSK’s struggles. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter has been sidelined due to a calf strain and is yet to feature this season.
According to Badrinath, Dhoni’s presence in the death overs often puts bowlers under immense pressure.
“Even now, if Dhoni is batting in the 18th over, the bowler feels the pressure. His calmness and ability to finish games are unmatched,” he said.
CSK have struggled to close out innings strongly in his absence, lacking the same composure and finishing firepower.
What lies ahead for CSK
With the tournament progressing, CSK face crucial decisions regarding team combination and leadership. While replacing a captain mid-season is never easy, the team management may be forced to explore options if results do not improve.
Conclusion
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s dip in form has sparked debate over CSK’s leadership strategy, with Sanju Samson emerging as a potential alternative. Whether the franchise opts for a bold change or continues to back its young skipper will be key to shaping their IPL 2026 campaign.
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