Ruturaj Gaikwad IPL 2026 captaincy buzz has already started swirling in the cricketing world, and rightfully so. Ever since MS Dhoni stepped down as captain of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), handing over the baton to his trusted opener, Ruturaj, has been seen as the chosen one, the Dhoni successor CSK fans have been waiting for.
But two seasons later, uncertainty looms. From a successful personal campaign in IPL 2024 to a heartbreaking injury in 2025, Gaikwad’s leadership journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster.
With the 2026 edition of the IPL approaching fast, fans and analysts alike are wondering: Will Ruturaj Gaikwad return as captain in IPL 2026?
Let’s break down the past two seasons, Ruturaj’s captaincy record, the emerging young stars of CSK, trade rumours, and what Dhoni’s own words suggest for the future of Ruturaj leadership at CSK.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Initial Stint as Captain
Ruturaj Gaikwad joined the elite list of CSK new captainin 2024, just days before the IPL kicked off. The announcement marked a significant moment in CSK’s history, as it finally transitioned from the Dhoni era.
And Gaikwad didn’t disappoint. He scored 583 runs in 14 matches, including a scintillating century and four fifties, asserting his prowess not just as a batter but also as a composed leader.
Despite his personal brilliance, CSK narrowly missed the playoffs, losing out to RCB on Net Run Rate (NRR). The 2024 season, however, gave fans and the franchise a glimpse of what Ruturaj Gaikwad’s IPL captain potential could truly look like in 2026.
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The Stats Behind the Leader
As the new CSK captain, let’s break down Ruturaj’s leadership records to understand the full picture:
As Captain (2024–2025):
- Matches: 19
- Wins: 8
- Losses: 11
Overall for CSK:
- Matches: 71
- Innings: 70
- Runs: 2502
- Average: 40
- Strike Rate: 137
- 50s: 20
- 100s: 2
In just 70 innings, Ruturaj has already amassed over 2500 runs, a testament to his class and consistency. Currently signed with Yorkshire in English county cricket, he’s sharpening his game further in overseas conditions.
With Jadeja continuing as the bowling spearhead and Ruturaj taking over long-term batting duties, CSK’s leadership group for 2026 looks both stable and dynamic.
IPL 2025: The Injury That Changed Everything
Heading into IPL 2025, the expectations were high. Gaikwad retained his place as captain of the Chennai Super Kings, and the team looked to build on their 2024 progress. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Ruturaj sustained a fracture just five games into the tournament, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
By that time, CSK had won just one of their first five matches, a mix of injuries and out-of-form senior players hampering any momentum. Gaikwad had already scored two fifties in that short span, showing signs of good form, but his injury turned out to be a massive blow to the team’s morale and planning.
With Gaikwad sidelined, none other than MS Dhoni, listed as an “uncapped player” to save team balance, stepped up to lead the side. However, the campaign spiralled, and CSK finished as the wooden spooners, winning just 4 out of 14 matches, their worst season in IPL history.
Dhoni’s Assurance: A Team for Gaikwad
After their final match of IPL 2025, where CSK salvaged a win, Dhoni made a statement that resonated with every CSK supporter:
“When Ritu comes back next year… he doesn’t have to worry about too many things.”
This clear endorsement not only reassured fans about Ruturaj’s return as captain but also underlined that the franchise was building a future-ready team, the perfect environment for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s IPL 2026 captain ambitions to flourish. It was vintage Dhoni: selfless, forward-thinking, and loyal to the core.
The Rise of the Young Brigade
While 2025 was forgettable for CSK in terms of results, it gave birth to a promising young core that could complement Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership in the future.
1. Ayush Mhatre – The Firestarter
At just 17, Ayush Mhatre stepped up in Ruturaj’s absence and announced his arrival in style. Coming in as a replacement, he scored 240 runs in 7 innings at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 188.
His 94 off 48 against RCB was arguably CSK’s most exciting innings of the season. His impact at No. 3 allows Ruturaj to slide into a flexible anchor or finisher role in IPL 2026.
2. Urvil Patel – The Power Opener
Given a three-match window, Urvil made every ball count with a strike rate of 213. He provided blistering starts and showcased a fearless brand of cricket. Although his role was limited in 2025, his retention for IPL 2026 suggests that he will be part of the larger leadership puzzle.
3. Dewald Brevis – The Middle-Order Messiah
The South African prodigy delivered on the hype. Brevis racked up 225 runs in 6 games at a strike rate of 180, hitting 17 sixes. His ability to shift momentum and bat with intent revolutionised CSK’s middle order in Ruturaj’s absence. The “Baby AB” effect is real, and his presence will take the load off Ruturaj’s shoulders.
4. Noor Ahmad – The Silent Assassin
While the batters were making noise, Noor Ahmad quietly became CSK’s most lethal weapon with the ball. The Afghan spinner picked up 24 wickets in 14 matches, emerging as the leading wicket-taker for CSK in IPL 2025. His control in the middle overs and ability to take crucial wickets made him indispensable and a frontrunner to lead CSK’s spin attack in IPL 2026.
5. Anshul Kamboj – The Emerging All-Round Asset
Not far behind was Anshul Kamboj, who made his presence felt with 8 wickets in 8 matches. While his figures might seem modest, his knack for breaking partnerships and bowling tough overs earned praise from both management and fans. As an all-around option, Kamboj could play a bigger role in CSK’s balance in the upcoming season.
Rumours: Sanju Samson to CSK?
Adding spice to the IPL captain news for 2026, there are whispers of Sanju Samson joining CSK in a money-plus-player trade deal. If it goes through, the former RR captain could take over wicket-keeping duties and open the batting, similar to his role in India’s T20I team.
However, according to team insiders and Dhoni’s public statements, Ruturaj remains CSK’s first-choice leader. With Gaikwad being part of the franchise since 2020 and commanding immense respect within the group, Sanju’s arrival is unlikely to dethrone him, though it would boost CSK’s depth and experience.
The Verdict: Will Ruturaj Gaikwad Be CSK’s Captain in IPL 2026?
Yes. All signs point to Ruturaj Gaikwad returning as CSK captain in IPL 2026.
From Dhoni’s emotional backing to the emergence of a support system around him, Gaikwad’s leadership tenure is far from over. His calm demeanour, tactical nous, and ever-improving batting credentials make him the ideal candidate to lead CSK into a new era.
While challenges await, especially managing young talent and integrating stars like Samson, Gaikwad’s patient yet attacking leadership style suits CSK’s DNA. The 2026 season could be his true test: fit, experienced, and with a rejuvenated squad at his disposal.
The Ruturaj Gaikwad IPL 2026 captain saga is one of promise, trust, and unfinished business. If 2024 was his arrival and 2025 a setback, then 2026 is set to be his redemption arc. With CSK’s core of young guns, overseas firepower, and the legacy of MSD watching over, Ruturaj Gaikwad is not just leading a team; he’s continuing a legacy.
Whether you’re following CSK’s new captain 2026 debates or searching for the next big thing in IPL captain news 2026, one name remains front and centre: Ruturaj Gaikwad.
