Gaikwad underperforming; Sanju to take leadership role in CSK?

CHENNAI: Chennai Super Kings are reportedly heading towards a major overhaul within the team following a disappointing IPL season. Chennai's playoff chances have faded after their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad the previous day. There are indications that the team's leadership structure will be changed next season. Reports suggest that Ruturaj Gaikwad will be relieved from the captaincy, and it is likely that Malayali star Sanju Samson may fill the void. Former Kolkata Knight Riders player Manoj Tiwary shared this idea in a discussion held on Cricbuzz after the last match.

Tiwary said that the Pune player Gaikwad has not been able to fill the shoes of MSD at Chennai. Tiwari opined that Gaikwad should be considered for the captaincy next season only if he understands where he went wrong in the past matches and corrects the mistakes.

Manoj Tiwary assessed that Gaikwad has not been able to score good runs at any stage this season, thus negatively affecting his captaincy. He has scored only 321 runs from 13 matches this season. The average is 29.18. The strike rate is 120.68. Gaikwad has scored a total of two half-centuries in the season, Tiwary said in the discussion. Tiwary suggested that Sanju, who is in splendid form, matches all the requirements to lead the team next season.

“A new face in the captain’s role will be a welcome change in Dhoni's absence. Considering Sanju for the captaincy role will be more beneficial for CSK.” said Tiwary.