Chennai Super Kings could be heading towards a major leadership change ahead of IPL 2027, with former India batter Manoj Tiwary suggesting that Sanju Samson may replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain next season. Gaikwad was officially named as MS Dhoni’s successor a couple of seasons ago, but Chennai’s inconsistent IPL 2026 campaign has raised fresh questions about the team’s leadership direction. With CSK struggling to stay alive in the playoff race, discussions around the captaincy have intensified.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Manoj Tiwary claimed that CSK may already be preparing Samson for a future leadership role within the franchise. “There’s a big question mark over whether Ruturaj Gaikwad will be CSK captain next season,” Tiwary said. “I feel it’s going to be a little tight because Sanju is in the frame now for captaincy. And it will be the right decision,” he added.

Manoj Tiwary also believes Samson’s proven captaincy experience with the Rajasthan Royals makes him a strong candidate to lead Chennai in the future.

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“CSK would have brought Sanju Samson into the team as a leader. Ruturaj has been leading the side for a couple of years, so they gave him an extra season,” he said. “I think next year it’s possible for Sanju to be the new CSK captain because this season it appears difficult for them to qualify and become champions.”

Gaikwad became only the fourth player after MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina to captain CSK in IPL history. So far, he has led the franchise in 32 matches, winning 14 and losing 18. Manoj Tiwary insisted that Chennai’s management would eventually need to make a decision regardless of how the current season ends.

“Wherever they finish, a decision has to be made. Sanju is the best person since he has done captaincy for RR and is a top player too,” he added.

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CSK’s recent five-wicket defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad has further complicated their playoff hopes. Chennai must now beat the Gujarat Titans in their final league game and depend on other results to stay in contention for a top-four finish.