Sanju Samson becomes CSK captain as Ruturaj Gaikwad gets ruled out of IPL 2026 match vs GT

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have faced a massive setback in the middle of the ongoing IPL 2026 as their captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, is ruled out of their crucial match against Gujarat Titans because of an injury. This setback has come at a bad time for CSK, as they are already struggling badly this season.

The Chennai Super Kings have already lost four of their seven games so far in the ongoing IPL 2026. However, the five-time champions have somehow found a way to make a comeback, majorly thanks to Sanju Samson, who is scoring most of the runs for the franchise.

Ruturaj Gaikwad adds to Chennai Super Kings' woes in IPL 2026

They are currently sitting fifth on the IPL 2026 points table and aiming to continue their moment against the Gujarat Titans (GT) after thrashing Mumbai Indians by 103 runs. But Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury has yet again left them in trouble.

Read Also: Haris Rauf gives Babar Azam flying kiss send-off in PSL - Mohsin Naqvi’s wrath incoming!!

The skipper was already struggling for form, scoring 107 runs at the poor average of under 15 and a strike rate of under 120. However, Gaikwad’s presence was crucial in terms of balance and leadership, but now they will have to shake up their plans.

However, there is no official update on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fitness, but the former Zimbabwe bowler and commentator Pommie Mbangwa revealed that the CSK captain has sustained an injury that ruled him out of the Gujarat Titans match on Sunday (April 26) in Chennai.

Sanju Samson set to lead CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out

Mbangwa even hinted that Sanju Samson will take over as captain for the CSK vs. GT match. However, there is still no clarity on MS Dhoni’s availability. So, they now have to adjust the whole team combination, but Samson will not only lead the team but also handle wicketkeeping duty as well.

Pommie Mbangwa said on Cricbuzz, “The news is that Ruturaj Gaikwad is not going to be available. Injury and so forth. So that's the first part of things as far as CSK are concerned: who captains? Going through a tough time. So that means there's a whole story to sort out.

It might just be that Sanju captains and keeps and looks off to the side, waiting for Ruturaj to get back. He's in fine form. Always good watching him back. Good that he's carried the form through from the T20 World Cup. As far as you know who replaces whom and who comes in. The big question is always going to be, and it has been through the course of the season.”

Read Also: Axar Patel unhappy with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, issues official statement

CSK’s season slipping away amid injuries and uncertainty

The commentator has pointed out how problems just keep increasing for the five-time IPL champions this season. Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the rest of the season because of a serious hamstring injury while fans are still waiting to see MS Dhoni on the field.

The CSK icon has not played a single match in the ongoing IPL 2026 because of a calf injury he picked up before the tournament. The surprising part is that he is now fit, but still not ready to face GT. Mbangwa said that CSK are trying hard to get back on track, but things are not going their way.

Mbangwa added, “Everyone is waiting every match to see if MS Dhoni will finally play, with fans coming to the stadium hoping today might be the day. You know, and it'd be very interesting to hear how loud it gets if he does actually take to the field and play.

But they're a side that is trying to get back in the right direction. And it's sad that Ayush Mhatre is gone. That Ruturaj Gaikwad is also injured. Brevis is trying to jump onto a moving bus or something and trying to still be effective. Yeah, so tough times for them. But hopefully they can put it together against Gujarat Titans.”