Ruturaj vs Samson: Who Deserves CSK Captaincy in 2026?
CSK traded Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The biggest question is who deserves the captaincy of CSK? - Both players are capable and talented. Therefore, We have done a detailed comparison, stats & records, captaincy experience to know who should lead CSK in IPL 2026.
Sanju Samson was leading the Rajasthan Royals for quite a long time before joining CSK, and he has done an exceptional job under his captaincy. Ruturaj Gaikwad is quite a young captain, as he recently got captaincy for the Chennai Super Kings after MS Dhoni stepped down as captain.
Brief Career Update (IPL):
Ruturaj Gaikwad: Career IPL runs ~ 2502, average ~ 40.35 with 2 centuries and 20 fifties in 71 matches.
Sanju Samson: Career IPL runs ~ 4643, average ~ 30.75 with 3 centuries and 26 fifties in 174 matches.
Both Gaikwad and Samson had around 100 matches difference in their IPL career, but if we see at the details, then Ruturaj Gaikwad is leading the stats. However, Gaikwad had quite a disappointing performance in the last season, and he also didn’t play all the matches due to injury.
Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Sanju Samson IPL Stats Comparison:
| Category | Ruturaj Gaikwad | Sanju Samson |
| Matches | 71 | 174 |
| Innings | 70 | 170 |
| Runs | 2502 | 4643 |
| Balls Faced | 1820 | 3336 |
| Highest Score | 108 | 119 |
| Average (AVG) | 40.35 | 30.75 |
| Strike Rate (SR) | 137.48 | 139.18 |
| Not Outs | 8 | 19 |
| 4s Hit | 231 | 375 |
| 6s Hit | 95 | 216 |
| 50s | 20 | 26 |
| 100s | 2 | 3 |
| 200s | 0 | 0 |
What the Stats tell us:
Ruturaj Gaikwad has better batting average
Gaikwad (40.35) vs Samson (30.75) - This shows Gaikwad is a more consistent and reliable batter or run-scorer.
Samson has more experience & more total runs
Sanju Samson has played over 174 matches while Ruturaj Gaikwad has played 71 matches, around 100 matches difference between both the players.
Strike rates are almost equal
Ruturaj Gakwad: 137.48
Sanju Samson: 139.18
Samson is the bigger power-hitter
Sanju’s 216 sixes vs Ruturaj’s 95 - Despite Sanju has played more matches but he is more aggressive than Ruturaj Gaikwad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Sanju Samson Leadership Experience Comparison:
{PC: IPLT20}
Strengths:
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Sanju Samson |
| Mentored Directly by MS Dhoni | Captain of Rajasthan Royals for multiple seasons |
| Calm, composed, team-first attitude | Playoff experience as captain |
| Better known to CSK culture | Flexible and aggressive T20 mindset |
| High consistency as an opener | Good with young Indian players |
| Seen as CSK’s long-term investment | Confident as player & captain |
Weaknesses:
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | Sanju Samson |
| Less captaincy experience | Inconsistent in pressure games |
| Quite less tactical in pressure situations | Hot and cold performances |
Who Deserves CSK Captaincy in 2026?
​Realistic Choice: Sanju Samson
Reason: Sanju has been quite a successful captain for RR. He is experienced and led the team to the final (IPL 2022). Sanju Samson is the perfect choice for CSK if they want a captain who can give them a trophy in one or two seasons.
Most Deserving: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Reason: CSK made an investment in Ruturaj Gaikwad and sees him as their future captain or Dhoni’s successor for the franchise. He has proved everyone with his performances as a player, except last season.
Talking about captaincy, this might be the field where Sanju is way ahead, but Ruturaj has that spark of being a good captain. Since Sanju is already there, he will continue the work of grooming Gaikwad in the absence of MS Dhoni.
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