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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made a major change to their coaching setup ahead of IPL 2027. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has been appointed as the team's new head coach, replacing long-time coach Stephen Fleming.
Zaheer Khan's arrival has also raised a major question about CSK's leadership. Will the franchise continue with Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain, or could there be a captaincy change before IPL 2027?
Gaikwad has led CSK since 2024, but the team has failed to qualify for the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. With the franchise preparing for another season, the captaincy decision is now attracting attention.
Zaheer Khan Replaces Stephen Fleming as CSK Head Coach
CSK have entered a new phase by bringing Zaheer Khan into the head coach role. The former Indian fast bowler has considerable experience in international cricket and franchise T20 cricket.
Zaheer's appointment ends a long coaching association with Stephen Fleming, who had been one of the most influential figures in CSK's setup.
The coaching change has also put the spotlight on CSK's leadership plans. However, there has been no official confirmation that the franchise will change its captain.
3 Straight Playoff Misses: Is Ruturaj Gaikwad Under Pressure?
Ruturaj Gaikwad became CSK captain in 2024 after MS Dhoni stepped away from the leadership role.
In his first season as captain, CSK finished fifth and missed the playoffs. The 2025 campaign was even more difficult, with Gaikwad suffering an injury during the season.
MS Dhoni took over as captain in his absence, but CSK eventually finished at the bottom of the points table.
Gaikwad returned as captain in 2026, but CSK once again failed to reach the playoffs and finished eighth.
As a result, CSK have missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons since Gaikwad became their regular captain.
Will CSK Take the Captaincy Away From Ruturaj?
The team's recent results have naturally led to questions about whether CSK could make a leadership change for IPL 2027.
However, the franchise has not officially announced that Gaikwad will be removed as captain.
CSK have backed Gaikwad as a long-term leadership option following the transition from Dhoni. He has also been part of the franchise for several years and is familiar with the team's culture and working methods.
His calm approach and previous leadership experience could be factors in the franchise's decision.
Therefore, despite the recent results, CSK could still continue with Gaikwad for another season.
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Sanju Samson Could Be a Major Captaincy Option
Sanju Samson is another name that could feature in discussions around CSK's leadership.
Before IPL 2026, CSK acquired Samson through a trade with Rajasthan Royals. Samson had already spent several seasons as an IPL captain and had extensive experience leading an IPL franchise.
His arrival led to speculation that he could eventually become a captaincy option for CSK. However, the franchise retained Gaikwad as captain for the 2026 season.
Samson therefore played under Gaikwad's leadership.
With IPL 2027 approaching, his previous captaincy experience could once again make him a name to watch.
Why CSK May Still Continue With Ruturaj Gaikwad
Despite three consecutive playoff misses, CSK have reasons to consider continuing with Gaikwad.
The franchise had identified him as a potential long-term successor to Dhoni and handed him the captaincy at a relatively early stage of his CSK career.
Gaikwad has also been closely associated with the franchise for several years. His understanding of the CSK system could be important as the team enters another transition under Zaheer Khan.
For these reasons, the franchise could decide to give him another opportunity rather than immediately changing its leadership.
What Does MS Dhoni's Role Mean for CSK's Captaincy?
MS Dhoni continues to remain an important figure in CSK's cricketing setup.
His transition from captain to a senior player was followed by the appointment of Gaikwad as the team's new leader in 2024.
Dhoni has also been linked to Zaheer Khan's appointment. CSK Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan said that Zaheer's name was suggested by Dhoni.
With Dhoni continuing to have a role within the franchise, his views could remain relevant when CSK make important cricketing decisions.
Ruturaj's Leadership Record: From Asian Games Gold to CSK
Gaikwad also has experience of leading India at a major international multi-sport event.
He captained India's men's cricket team at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where India won the gold medal.
The final was affected by rain and could not be completed. India were subsequently declared winners based on their better seeding.
That experience added to Gaikwad's leadership credentials before he became CSK captain in 2024.
Hardik Pandya Trade Talk Adds Another Twist
Hardik Pandya is another player whose name has been linked with CSK ahead of IPL 2027.
Reports have suggested that a potential trade involving Hardik and CSK could be discussed. However, there has been no official confirmation of such a trade.
Hardik already has significant IPL captaincy experience, having led both Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
If he were to join CSK, his leadership background could add another dimension to the captaincy discussion. However, it remains unclear whether any potential move would have an impact on CSK's leadership plans.
Who Could Captain CSK in IPL 2027?
At present, there has been no official announcement of a captaincy change at CSK.
Zaheer Khan's appointment is a major change to the coaching setup, but it does not automatically mean that the franchise will replace Gaikwad as captain.
Ruturaj Gaikwad remains a key candidate for the role, while Sanju Samson's leadership experience and the ongoing speculation around Hardik Pandya could add further possibilities.
The IPL 2027 mini-auction, potential player trades and CSK's official announcements are likely to provide more clarity.
CSK Captaincy Decision: What We Know So Far
The biggest question ahead of IPL 2027 is whether CSK will continue with the leadership plan that began in 2024 or make another major change.
For now, there is no official confirmation that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been removed as CSK captain. The final decision will depend on the franchise's plans for the upcoming season.
Zaheer Khan's arrival has certainly started a new chapter for CSK, but whether that change extends from the coaching staff to the captaincy remains to be seen.
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