End to rumours! Chennai announces captain for upcoming IPL season

CHENNAI: Former Rajasthan Captain Sanju joined IPL team Chennai Super Kings a day back, evoking doubt over the new captain in the team. CSK's former captain Ravindra Jadeja had moved to Rajasthan as part of an exchange deal, leaving the position vacant. Clearing all the doubts, CSK has now announced Ruturaj Dashrat Gaikwad as their new captain. There were rumours about the management planning to hand over the captaincy to the Keralite.

‘Lead the way, Captain Gaikwad’, this was the caption that accompanied the new post Chennai Super Kings shared on the Facebook page.

LEAD THE WAY, CAPTAIN RUTURAJ GAIKWAD!💪🦁#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/EawvX5k2yI

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 15, 2025

Sanju's shift to CSK has been in the news again since last week. Rajasthan had asked for Ravindra Jadeja and South African youngster Dewald Brevis in exchange for Sanju Samson, but Chennai was not ready to let Brevis go. With this, the talks reached Sam Curran. Rajasthan and Chennai had confirmed the deal two days ago. However, the confirmation was delayed due to some technical issues.

Sanju Samson entered the IPL through the Kolkata Knight Riders but did not play a single match for them. Later, he went to the Rajasthan Royals. Sanju appeared for Delhi during the two-year break when Rajasthan was banned. From there, he returned to Rajasthan and became the captain of the team. Sanju also helped Rajasthan Royals reach the final in one season.