"Dhoni would have convinced Sanju" - Former RCB batter's take on Sanju Samson not being made CSK captain for IPL 2026

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Mohammad Kaif offered a stunning take on Sanju Samson not being made Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain for IPL 2026. Samson was traded in by CSK from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

While Sanju Samson would have expected captaincy, CSK announced that Ruturaj Gaikwad would continue to lead the side. Mohammad Kaif reckoned that MS Dhoni would have had a hand in Samson being okay with not being offered captaincy right away.

"I think the connection is with MS Dhoni. I think Dhoni would have spoken to him. He picks calls of people who he has to as well when the need is there. I am sure he came into the picture and would have spoken to him about the future. No one can tell him a no as he is highly respected. I think Dhoni would have convinced Sanju. Sanju was successful in leaving RR and going to a good team also. In a year or two thing will move for him to be captain too," he said on his YouTube channel.

Further, Kaif believed that Gaikwad continuing as captain was the right decision. He added that it would be important for Samson to understand the team dynamics and culture before being made skipper right away. Kaif reflected that it could also put him under additional pressure in a new franchise.

"It is a right move. CSK value their fans, many of them are upset with Jadeja being traded. Now if Sanju comes and become captain, they would be in a fix to remove Gaikwad also from captaincy after leaving Jadeja. It has already been announced as well. Sanju will play with them as a batter for a year and understand how the team works and what they expect of him. You do not want a new player to be made captain as the pressure becomes a lot. Gaikwad has become a little better as captain too. This is the right call."

Gaikwad took over the reins from MS Dhoni ahead of the 2024 season. Therefore, he has been in the role for a while now. While Samson was captain at RR, he will have to wait for the position in a new franchise.

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Mohammad Kaif on CSK releasing Matheesha Pathirana

CSK let go of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana. Last season, he managed to pick up 13 wickets but averaged 32.61 at an economy of 10.13. He struggled to find accuracy with his lines and lengths throughout the season.

Mohammad Kaif reckoned that his release was on the back of a long-term plan, keeping his fitness issues in mind.

"Pathirana has been a good bowler for them but last year he was very wayward after coming from an injury. His action has caused him to be injured often. They would have looked at whether he is fully fit and can play all matches. He was bowling too many wides last time. That is the only reason for his release. Maybe it is a long-term issue. There is no doubt on the ability. But there is a question mark on fitness," he said.

Kaif also reflected that the five-time champions appeared confused with their combination last season. They shuffled a lot between the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Ravichandran Ashwin, among others. Lack of stability in the side was evident and affected their performance as well.

"CSK sent Conway behind for Rachin. But the pitch in Chennai does not suit Rachin really. He got exposed as well. They did not play Conway and got him later. But both could not score. They dropped Ashwin then played him again. They are known for stability in the 11. But they made a lot of changes last time and that is why they finished at the bottom."

They finished tenth on the table with just four wins from 14 matches. Gaikwad and Co. will be eager to build a solid team at the auction.

Edited by Rishab Vm