Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has predicted that he sees Sanju Samson captaining Chennai Super Kings at some stage. Ruturaj Gaikwad is currently leading the five-time champions but the franchise got off to a poor start in IPL 2026, losing their first three games.
However, CSK have won their last two games against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. But Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn’t been in the best of forms in the ongoing season and thus hasn’t led from the front.
Meanwhile, Samson has leadership experience in the IPL, having led Rajasthan Royals in the past. Ashwin urged Samson to follow his own path and be himself while leading.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on ESPN Cricinfo, “I do see Samson captaining CSK at some stage. Don’t know when, but I do see that happening. Whether we agree or not, a lot of these things do happen with respect to narratives. But I don’t want Sanju to step into anybody’s shoes. You don’t really have to step into anybody’s legacy. He’s got his own unique clothing which he lives under and I would like to see his own imprint on it.”
Ashwin praised Samson’s leadership and revealed he is able to take feedback from his players and the team’s think tank.
He concluded, “Him being in a good space allows him to make good calls. He’s had very good days, he’s had ordinary days as well. But the one thing that Sanju does, which I haven’t seen in many leaders, is he is able to take feedback. The second thing that he is good is that he has a humane connection. He would be able to have conversations with players that can be very personal.”
The CSK opener has scored 192 runs in six matches at an average of 38.40 and a strike rate of 174.54 in IPL 2026. Samson was dismissed after scoring seven runs off three balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday in the run chase of 195.
