R Ashwin Predicts Sanju Samson's Future as CSK Captain

R Ashwin has made a bold prediction about Sanju Samson potentially becoming the captain of Chennai Super Kings in the future. Currently, Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the team, but CSK has faced challenges this season. With only 2 wins from 6 matches, the team is struggling in the IPL standings. Ashwin emphasizes the importance of Samson creating his own legacy rather than following in others' footsteps. As CSK prepares for their next match against the Mumbai Indians, the future of the team remains uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 20:15 IST

Ashwin's Bold Prediction for CSK

R Ashwin, the former spinner for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has made an intriguing forecast regarding the team's future leadership, suggesting that Sanju Samson could eventually take the helm. Currently, Ruturaj Gaikwad serves as the captain of CSK, having taken over from MS Dhoni, who led the team to five IPL championships before stepping down.

Samson, who was acquired by CSK through a trade ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, is not yet part of the leadership circle, as the team has not designated a vice-captain. Ashwin expressed his thoughts to ESPNcricinfo, stating, "I am not an astrologer, but I envision Sanju captaining CSK at some point. I can't predict when, but I believe it will happen. However, I hope he forges his own path rather than merely stepping into someone else's legacy."

Samson previously captained the Rajasthan Royals (RR) from IPL 2021 to 2025, leading them to the finals in 2022, where they were narrowly defeated by the Gujarat Titans. After making his IPL debut with RR in 2013, his recent decision to leave the franchise before IPL 2026 was unexpected. CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR in exchange for Samson.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's Captaincy Record

Ruturaj's Performance as Captain

Under Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership, CSK has recorded 10 victories and 15 losses across 25 matches. Unfortunately, the team did not qualify for the second round of IPL 2024, concluding their campaign with a defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league match.

Ruturaj captained CSK in just five matches before an elbow injury sidelined him, leading to Dhoni resuming the captaincy. He returned to lead the team again in IPL 2026. Currently, CSK is struggling in the tournament, sitting in seventh place on the points table with only 2 wins out of 6 matches, having suffered 4 losses. A few more defeats could result in an early exit from the competition.

CSK's next challenge is against the Mumbai Indians (MI), who are currently at the bottom of the table with just 1 win.