Will Sanju Samson replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK captain in IPL 2026 after trade from RR? R Ashwin reveals
Former India spinner R Ashwin gave on take on whether Sanju Samson will replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK skipper if his trade deal from Rajasthan Royals goes through successfully.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are reportedly close to landing Sanju Samson in a trade deal from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. CSK and RR have agreed to a deal which will see star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja head to his former team, with Samson joining the Men in Yellow.
There could be another player involved in the deal, as multiple reports have claimed that CSK will trade Jadeja and Sam Curran for the RR skipper. Samson has been leading RR since 2021 and has been one of their top performers with the bat over the last few seasons. Many believe CSK view him as an ideal replacement for ageing MS Dhoni.
Dhoni continues to go strong for CSK at 44, but is in the twilight of his career and might call time on his IPL career after next season. CSK need a long-term replacement for the legendary wicket-keeper batter, and Samson can fill in his shoes for the five-time champions. Many also expect Samson to take over the captaincy from Ruturaj Gaikwad if his trade to CSK goes through successfully.
Gaikwad was appointed as CSK's full-time skipper ahead of IPL 2024, but failed to take the team to the playoffs in his debut season as captain. He was replaced by MS Dhoni as captain midway through IPL 2025 after getting ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. Despite captaincy talks, former CSK spinner R Ashwin believes Samson will not lead the franchise in IPL 2026 if his trade deal goes through.
Ashwin, who retired from IPL earlier this year, was part of the CSK squad under Gaikwad last season. He believes the franchise won't give captaincy to Samson in his first year with the team, however, the former spinner insisted that the wicket-keeper batter can be a captaincy option going forward.
"I don’t think Sanju Samson will get captaincy because this is his first season. And giving someone captaincy in his first year at the franchise, I am not sure about it. Ruturaj will continue. But Samson will definitely be an option going forward to the future, if the deal happens,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to join RR in Samson trade deal?
As per ESPNCricinfo, CSK and RR are close to finalising one of the biggest trade deals in IPL history, which will see Jadeja and Sam Curran move the other way in exchange for Samson. While Samson's arrival will strengthen CSK's top order, Jadeja will bolster RR's all-round depth with his experience and skills.
One of the best all-rounders in the world at present, Jadeja has played a vital role in CSK's success over the years. Jadeja has so far amassed 3260 runs and picked up 170 wickets in 254 matches in his IPL career. He picked up 10 wickets and scored 301 runs in IPL 2025. He is likely to take up the finisher's role for RR and will also elavate their spin attack.