Sanju Samson reveals why he never sought CSK captaincy after joining Chennai franchise

Ever since Sanju Samson joined Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 season, speculation has swirled around whether he could eventually replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain.

With Gaikwad enduring an underwhelming campaign and Samson delivering standout performances, calls for a leadership change have only grown louder. However, the wicketkeeper-batter has now made it clear that taking over the captaincy was never part of his thinking when he made the switch from Rajasthan Royals.

Speaking on the Super Kings podcast with Abhinav Mukund ahead of CSK’s clash against Lucknow Super Giants at Chepauk, Samson said he joined the franchise with the sole intent of contributing as a player rather than arriving with demands.

“I already had a team and a place. When you move to a new team, you cannot come in with demands. You first prove your worth, perform to your maximum, and then take things forward,” Samson said.

The 31-year-old added that CSK’s faith in him was something he deeply valued and wanted to repay through performances.

“CSK trusted me and invited me here. I am ready to give everything for this team,” he said.

Samson’s impact at CSK

The T20 World Cup 2026 Player of the Tournament has enjoyed a sensational debut season in yellow.

Samson has scored 402 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 57.43, including two centuries and a half-century.

His contributions have had a direct impact on results, with CSK winning every game in which he has produced a major score.

His consistency with the bat has intensified discussions over whether he should eventually assume leadership duties, given his prior captaincy experience with Rajasthan Royals, whom he led to the IPL final in 2022.

Full backing for Gaikwad

Despite the outside noise, Samson offered strong support to current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, describing him as one of the most self-assured cricketers in Indian cricket.

“Rutu is a very different kind of Indian cricketing superstar. He may not always show it outwardly, but he is among the most confident and assured cricketers around,” Samson said.

He also revealed that it was Gaikwad himself who played a key role in convincing him to leave Rajasthan and join Chennai.

Samson said Gaikwad’s willingness to bring in another established captain reflected immense confidence in his own leadership.

“Actions matter more than words. The fact that he reached out and wanted me in his team says a lot about him,” he said.

CSK’s playoff push

Chennai Super Kings currently sit sixth in the IPL 2026 points table.

A win against Lucknow Super Giants would lift them to fifth and strengthen their playoff push as the tournament enters its decisive phase.