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Former India National Cricket Team batter Sadagoppan Ramesh suggests that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) appoint Sanju Samson as their captain ahead of the IPL 2027 season, replacing their current leader Ruturaj Gaikwad. The Men in Yellow franchise so far has shown immense trust in Ruturaj Gaikwad as the successor to their former MS Dhoni, without receiving any return.
In the last three seasons, CSK, one of the most successful franchises in the league with 5 titles, failed to reach the play-offs. In the previous season, with Ruturaj leading the team throughout the season, the team ended their journey as the eighth team in the 10-team points table.
Sanju Samson played effectively for CSK in IPL 2026
After sustaining back-to-back underwhelming seasons, Ramesh urged the franchise to reconsider their leadership role. The former India opener rated Samson highly as a team man. In a massive trade deal, the keeper-batter joined CSK, breaking a long association with the Rajasthan Royals.
Sanju Samson was impressive in the first season with the Chennai Super Kings, scoring 477 runs at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 165.62 in 14 outings. The 31-year-old's IPL 2027 batting stats are supported by a couple of centuries and one half-century.
Sadagoppan Ramesh asks CSK to appoint Sanju Samson as captain
While Samson emerged as the most explosive batter on the pitch, Ruturaj Gaikwad concluded his IPL 2027 journey with a batting average of 28.08 and a strike rate of 123.44. While speaking on his YouTube channel, Sadagoppan Ramesh stated that Sanju should be taken into consideration for the leadership role of CSK.
"CSK are seemingly thinking of many options as captain and even wondering if a captaincy change is needed. Sanju Samson should be considered as captain because he's such a fantastic team player. The CSK captaincy must be changed, and if it is, CSK must seriously consider Sanju Samson," said Sadagoppan Ramesh in his YouTube video.
Samson's previous experience in leading Rajasthan Royals in multiple seasons made the former cricketer's request to CSK more appropriate. As the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, the keeper-batter got 33 wins in 66 matches. He led the team to a final as well.
Sadagoppan Ramesh highlights Sanju Samson's stint as Rajasthan Royals captain
In the video, Ramesh also noted that Chennai Super Kings need to shuffle a lot inside their team to regain their good old days. One of the main tasks the franchise will have to do is to appoint a head coach, in place of Stephen Fleming. Ahead of the IPL 2027, the franchise made a golden handshake with their long aid Fleming. A few other changes in the squad are also expected.
"Samson has also captained 66 matches in the IPL and won 33. So he has a 50% success rate. Under him, RR performed well by reaching a final and making another playoff appearance. Of course, several other things to change, and just making Sanju the captain won't win them the trophy. But if at all they change captains, Sanju must be strongly considered," the former cricketer added.
