Sanju Samson's potential trade to Chennai Super Kings is turning into a reality as recent reports suggest that the Men in Yellow have given a green light to swap Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals to avail Samson's services for IPL 2026.
Samson is touted as the perfect long-term replacement for MS Dhoni as CSK require a star keeper-batter role, and the right-handed batter fits the bill. However, there is one dilemma for the Men in Yellow as Samson is currently serving as RR captain, and there is no clarity over his role at CSK.
There is a debate whether Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to lead CSK or the management will turn their eye towards the RR star to take the command forward.
Meanwhile, this article will compare the leadership records of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson and see who has a better captaincy record.
Samson vs Gaikwad: Record as a player
Firstly, let's look at Gaikwad vs Samson IPL stats as a player.
Criteria
Sanju Samson
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Innings
172
70
Runs
4704
2502
Not-Outs
20
8
Average
30.95
40.35
Strike-Rate
139.05
137.47
100/50
3/26
2/20
Highest score
119
108
The stats clearly shows that Ruturaj Gaikwad has performed better than Sanju Samson in IPL. Gaikwad has played less than a 100 games than Sanju, yet he surpasses him in several parameters.
Gaikwad averages 40.35, whereas Samson has only averaged 30.95 in his IPL history. Further, the two can't also be separated in scoring-rate as they have an identical strike-rate of 139.05.
Samson vs Gaikwad: Record as captain
Now, the next parameter to judge the two T20 stalwarts is to compare their stats as captain.
Criteria
Sanju Samson
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Matches captained
67
19
Wins
33
8
Win%
49.2%
42.1%
Loss
33
11
No-Result
1
0
Clearly, Samson has a more experience leading a side in IPL compared to Gaikwad. Samson has led 67 games in the cash-studded league, whereas Gaikwad has only led CSK in 19 matches.
Despite leading a franchise in more games, Samson boasts an impressive leadership record which is a win% of 49.2. Whereas, Gaikwad has also done well but his numbers fall short in front of Samson.
Further, Samson has led his side to the final in 2022, while Gaikwad is yet to take CSK to a final or a silverware.
Samson vs Gaikwad: Record as a batter while being the captain
Criteria
Sanju Samson
Ruturaj Gaikwad
Innings
66
19
Runs
2021
705
Not-Outs
10
3
Average
36.08
44.06
Strike-Rate
145.71
142.71
100/50
1/12
1/6
Highest score
119
108
Both players are neck-to-neck when it comes to their stats as a captain as Samson and Gaikwad have rather improved their games while serving as a captain.
Samson averages 30.95 in IPL, but he averages 36.08 as a captain, whereas Gaikwad, who already averages 40 as a batter, has registered an average of 44.06 as CSK captain. Thus, there is no differentiating the two again on the basis of strike-rate as well because they keep the scoring rate 140+.
Conclusion
It is indeed a happy headache for CSK that they have two capable options to chose their next leader. Interestingly, both players have great stats as a player and better stats as a captain. Thus, there shouldn't be any issue if CSK go onto take any bold call.
However, if we go by what the stats suggest, then the Men in Yellow should continue with Ruturaj Gaikwad as their next captain as he has done nothing wrong to be relieved of his duties. Rather, Gaikwad has a chance to seek valuable inputs from Samson and further take the franchise to new heights.
Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad - (Source: AFP).jpg)
