Former South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) star AB de Villiers has come out in support Ruturaj Gaikwad Will remain the captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This comes after the signing of Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals on a trade deal ahead of the 2026 mini auction.
De Villiers believes that CSK will never think of changing their captain after choosing Gaikwad over the great MS Dhoni and if questions arise over captaincy, the management should continue to publicly support their choice.
Gaikwad, who will take over the reigns of the five-time champion for the first time in 2024, got only five starts due to injury last year. This year, the 29-year-old will be hoping to captain the side throughout the season and stamp his authority on the new-look CSK team.
“I obviously think they've got the right captain, and I don't think they're possibly in the mindset to make Sanju the captain, and I think they've warmed up to Ruturaj over the last few years. Stick with the same guy, don't entertain any media or press that is saying, 'Is Sanju going to be the captain?' Once again no one needs this in the CSK setup. AB de Villiers He was quoted as saying on Star Sports.
“If those jets come, and questions, CSK should be straight, clear and straight to the point that Ruturaj is our man, there is no conversation about any other captain. Sanju, MS and some other seniors play supporting roles,” said the South African.
CSK will be aiming for a better season under the leadership of Gaikwad during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. After winning the title in 2023, the team in yellow did not reach the playoffs in their last two campaigns, as they finished fifth in 2024 before finishing last in 2025.
CSK will start their 2026 campaign against hosts Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. The Chennai-based outfit have come with a lot of promise this season, revamping their squad with youngsters like Dewald Brevis and signing Karthik Sharma and Prashant Veer for a combined sum of Rs 28.40 crore, along with the in-form Samson.
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