Sadagoppan Ramesh backs Sanju Samson for CSK captaincy after hat-trick of pre-playoff exits

Sadagoppan Ramesh has urged Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to consider appointing Sanju Samson as their next captain ahead of IPL 2027. The suggestion comes after CSK finished eighth in IPL 2026 under Ruturaj Gaikwad's leadership. Ramesh believes a captaincy change is necessary for the franchise to rebuild and compete effectively in the upcoming season.

Ramesh stated that Samson possesses the qualities required to lead CSK successfully. He highlighted Samson's track record as a captain and his ability to function as a team player, making him a suitable candidate for the role.

"CSK are seemingly thinking of many options as captain and even wondering if there is a captaincy change 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," Ramesh said on his Instagram handle.

Why Ramesh backs Samson for CSK captaincy

Samson has captained in 66 IPL matches, winning 33 of them and achieving a 50 per cent success rate. During his tenure as Rajasthan Royals captain from 2021 to 2025, the franchise reached a final and made another playoff appearance, demonstrating his ability to lead a team to significant achievements. Ramesh emphasised that while a captaincy change alone would not guarantee success, Samson deserved serious consideration if CSK decided to make a change.

"Samson has also captained 66 matches in the IPL and won 33. So he has a 50 per cent success rate. Under him, RR performed well by reaching a final and making another playoff appearance. Of course, CSK need 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," Ramesh added.

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Samson's recent IPL 2026 performance further strengthened the case for his captaincy consideration. He scored 477 runs across 14 matches at an average of 43.36 with a strike rate of 165.63, demonstrating consistent form with the bat. The franchise parted ways with head coach Stephen Fleming during the ongoing off-season, signalling potential changes in the leadership structure ahead of IPL 2027.