Sanju Samson’s first reaction goes viral after CSK confirm Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain for IPL 2026
Sanju Samson has finally reacted after Chennai Super Kings confirmed Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain for IPL 2026. Samson’s reaction sparked widespread debate among fans and added new intrigue to CSK’s bold leadership move as the franchise turned a new chapter under Gaikwad.
Sanju Samson is all set to start his new IPL adventure with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2026. The IPL veteran moved to the Yellow Army from Rajasthan Royals (RR) via an exchange. Samson, who captained RR from IPL 2021 to 2025, was expected to be appointed as the new captain of CSK. However, it will remain under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership.
During his meeting with CSK, Samson expressed his desire to play alongside his “good friend” Ruturaj. This announcement comes just days after CSK confirmed that Ruturaj will continue to manage the team. “Rutu is a good friend of mine. He is the captain and I want to play under his captaincy. I want to be with him as a leader,” he told CSK.
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The full episode is today at 18.00 #WhistlePod pic.twitter.com/2gbR8mdtMU— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 21 November 2025
This marks Samson’s first opportunity to represent CSK. He expressed his desire to part ways with RR after the IPL 2025 season and held talks with the franchise about his intention throughout the season. According to RR’s principal owner Manoj Badale, Samson was feeling emotionally drained during the franchise.
“The first time this year or last year that Sanju talked about moving on was probably in Kolkata towards the end of the season. We had a meeting after the game. He was a very honest man and personally emotionally drained. He cares a lot about RR and I think having our worst season in 18 years took a lot out of him,” he told RR.
RR acquired Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in exchange for Samson. Jadeja started his IPL journey with RR in 2008, played for the team for two seasons and returned after 17 years. This will be Curran’s first season at RR.
As IPL 2027 approaches, RR are set to appoint a new captain. Jadeja is a candidate with a high probability of taking over the franchise. Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel could also be considered for a leadership role in RR.
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