New Delhi: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy credentials have come under the scanner after Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) woeful start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. After a humiliating 8-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals in their opener, CSK lost to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by five wickets in their second game of the season on Friday to suffer two losses in a row.
Playing at home for the first time this season, CSK lost against Punjab Kings despite posting a strong total of 209 runs on the board. Gaikwad’s captaincy was criticised by many, including former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath, as the hosts failed to defend the total, with PBKS making the chase look like a walk in the park.
Amid criticism over his captaincy, some pundits have argued that Gaikwad is feeling threatened as a leader after Sanju Samson’s arrival at CSK. CSK traded Samson from the Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026, and many believe the wicket-keeper can be the future successor to the talismanic MS Dhoni for the five-time champions.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan and ex-New Zealand pacer Simon Doull weighed in on the leadership dynamics debate at CSK after their 5-wicket loss to Punjab Kings on Friday. When asked if Samson’s presence is affecting Gaikwad’s leadership, Doull agreed.
“What about the captain, Gaikwad? Do you think he feels threatened [by Samson]?” Vaughan asked Doull during a chat on Cricbuzz.
“Absolutely,” replied the former New Zealand pacer.
Vaughan echoed similar sentiments and agreed Gaikwad might have been feeling the heat with Samson’s presence in the squad. Gaikwad took over as CSK’s permanent captain ahead of IPL 2024, but has not managed to lead the team to the playoffs yet. He has already lost 13 out of 21 matches as CSK captain, raising alarm bells for the five-time champions.
“So that’s another kind of dynamic that you’re looking at. [One of the league’s] youngest captains, Gaikwad, he’s done it a bit now, and you kind of go, ‘Go on, we’re gonna back you, you’re the captain. But by the way, we’re signing Sanju, who’s a very good captain, and he’s a keeper. And guess what? We’ve had a keeper who was a captain for a long period of time and did very well, and we’re gonna try and replace him. But you carry on captaining and hope it doesn’t affect you,” said Vaughan, explaining the leadership dynamics at CSK.
No change in fortunes for CSK
While CSK missed out on the playoffs closely in IPL 2024, they finished at the bottom of the table last season. Gaikwas picked up an injury halfway through the season after CSK’s horror start and missed the remainder of the matches as MS Dhoni stepped up as captain in his absence.
CSK went on to revamp their squad completely after their dismal campaign last season, however, the results have not gone their way in the ongoing IPL 2026. In their opener against RR on Monday, CSK suffered an epic batting collapse and were bowled out for a paltry 127 before suffering an 8-wicket thrashing in the game.
They were expected to bounce back in their first match at home against the Punjab Kings on Friday. However, CSK failed to defend a strong total of 209 runs to suffer their second defeat in a row. The likes of Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar were all taken to the cleaners as PBKs chased down the target of 210 runs with eight balls to spare at Chepauk.