Before IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have a serious question concerning the captain of their team, and with multiple worthy candidates, opinions amongst fans are divided.
In the IPL 2025, MS Dhoni returned as the captain for the franchise, after Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered an injury midway.
Now the latter is fit again and is a part of the squad. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who has extensive experience of leading sides in the IPL, has also joined the CSK franchise. While it is highly unlikely MS Dhoni will captain CSK in IPL 2026, the selection will come down to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson.
AB de Villiers Backs Ruturaj Gaikwad
Former South African legend, AB de Villiers, has shared his thoughts on the whole matter and strongly backs Ruturaj Gaikwad for captaincy.
While talking to Star Sports, AB de Villiers said:
“I obviously feel they have got the right captain, and I don’t think they are in that mindset of possibly getting Sanju in as captain, and I think they have warmed up to Ruturaj over the last few years. Stick with the one guy; don’t even entertain any of the media or the press coming out saying, ‘Is Sanju going to be captain?’ No one once again needs that in the CSK setup."
He also stated that CSK should have a clear stance and avoid confusion.
The former Proteas batter said:
“If those jets come up and the questions, CSK should be direct, clear, and straight to the point that Ruturaj is our man, there are no talks about any other captain. Sanju, MS, and some of the other senior play supporting roles."
CSK Balance and Dhoni's role in IPL 2026
Gaikwad first took the helm in the IPL 2024 and finished the season in 5th place and his contribution to leading the side was not significant. However, in the IPL 2025, he got injured midway and MS Dhoni returned as the captain once again. IPL 2026 could be an opportunity for Gaikwad to redeem himself.
This season he has got an even more balanced squad than last year with new additions like Sanju Samson and Sarfaraz Khan. The role that MS Dhoni will play this season is still unknown, but we don't see him bat in the top order and he may appear in the team as a wicket-keeper batsman or even an impact player, considering his training seems that he is ready for the season.
Overall, CSK seem to have a balanced team with experience and youth, so it should not be hard for Gaikwad if given the captaincy, to take the side to victory.