‘Taking forward MS Dhoni's legacy not easy’: Irfan Pathan says Sanju Samson can free up Ruturaj Gaikwad's burden at CSK

Irfan Pathan feels Sanju Samson's arrival could ease some of the pressure on Ruturaj Gaikwad as he continues to settle into the captaincy role at CSK.

Updated on: Mar 13, 2026, 17:04:57 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes Sanju Samson’s presence in the Chennai Super Kings setup could ease the burden on captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is yet to leave a strong mark since taking over the leadership. The five-time champions have seen their standards slip in recent seasons and have missed the playoffs in the last two editions of the IPL. Gaikwad also missed nearly half of the 2025 campaign, a season that ended with Chennai finishing at the bottom of the table. With expectations still high around the franchise, the opener will face the challenge of steering the side back into contention. Chennai have already signalled a shift in direction by investing heavily in young talent at the auction, hoping fresh energy and new ideas can help revive their fortunes in the upcoming season. However, the marquee sign for CSK this season is Samson's inclusion in the squad.

Sanju Samson will be playing under Ruturaj Gaikwad's captaincy this year at CSK. (ANI)

Pathan feels Samson's arrival could ease some of the pressure on Gaikwad as he continues to settle into the captaincy role at CSK. He noted that leading a side long associated with MS Dhoni is never straightforward, but believes Samson’s presence and Dhoni’s backing could help Gaikwad grow into the job.

“Sanju Samson’s arrival at CSK will allow captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to express himself a bit more. We have seen him grow as a leader. It is not easy leading in the IPL while also taking forward the legacy of MS Dhoni. That is one of the toughest things to do in your career. But Dhoni’s support, along with the help Sanju Samson brings, will always benefit Ruturaj. Looking at the squad and imagining the playing combination are two different things," Pathan said on JioHotstar.

Also Read - ‘No one can tell MS Dhoni he is dropped’: Ex-CSK star argues even Fleming can’t push India great into Impact Player role

“CSK are building for the future too”

Pathan also pointed out that CSK appear to be shifting away from their long-standing template of relying heavily on experienced names and have some exciting talents in their line-up.

"CSK’s success mantra in the past was to bank on experienced players. Now, they have made a change in approach and are going for younger, less experienced players. They are building for the future too. But there are still exciting players in the team like Dewald Brevis, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube and Sarfaraz Khan. I want to see how they go about their business this season," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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