Zaheer Khan has been appointed as Chennai Super Kings head coach for IPL 2027, taking over from Stephen Fleming, who stepped down in July 2026 after 16 years in the role. Fleming’s tenure saw CSK win five IPL titles, but the franchise finished eighth in the 2026 season with six wins and eight losses. Khan’s contract with CSK is for one year.

R Ashwin has suggested that Sanju Samson could emerge as a potential candidate to replace Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK captain following Khan’s appointment. Ashwin stated his views on the captaincy situation at the franchise as speculation grows about possible leadership changes under the new head coach.

“If what I am hearing is right, it looks like Sanju Samson might have a good shot at becoming captain. I am hearing that Sanju could get a chance at captaincy. But I don’t know how true it is,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Samson’s performance in the 2026 IPL season strengthens the case for his captaincy credentials. The Rajasthan Royals batter scored 477 runs at an average of 47.70 during the tournament, demonstrating consistent form with the bat. His run-scoring ability and consistency made him one of the standout performers in the league.

Gaikwad’s captaincy record in 2026 presents a contrasting picture. The CSK captain scored 337 runs at an average of 24.07 in the same season, while winning 14 of his 33 matches as captain. His individual batting form dipped compared to previous seasons, and the team’s overall performance led to their eighth-place finish in the league standings.

“It will be interesting to see if Zaheer Khan wants Ruturaj Gaikwad to remain captain or wants a change in leadership,” the former India off-spinner stated.

Also Read: Top 3 run-getters in Women’s Asian Games 2026

Zaheer has been tasked with reviving CSK’s fortunes in the IPL after the Men in Yellow have failed to qualify for the playoffs in three consecutive seasons. Whether Gaikwad continues or Samson takes over, the main objective will be to bring back the glory days for one of the most successful franchises in the tournament’s history.

Suresh Raina has backed the inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The former India batter believes the experience and proven track record of the two veterans will significantly strengthen India’s chances in the tournament.

Speaking in New Delhi on September 22, 2026, Raina highlighted the importance of retaining experienced players for the marquee event. Both Rohit and Kohli have retired from T20 International and Test cricket but remain exclusively active in the ODI format, keeping their focus on the 50-over game.

“We have a run machine at home, and we have a great captain who have won so many trophies in the IPL and for the country. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli need no introduction because I have played a lot of matches with them. Virat is a great player. This time, we are playing the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe , and I think having both of them in the team gives us a 90 per cent chance of winning the trophy,” Raina told reporters.

Why Raina backs Rohit and Kohli for the 2027 World Cup

Raina’s backing of the two senior players comes at a time when questions have been raised about squad composition for the upcoming World Cup. The former batter emphasised the value of continuity and experience in major tournaments, pointing to the track record of both Rohit and Kohli in winning significant titles for India and in the Indian Premier League.

Raina went on to congratulate the Indian team for winning the gold medal in the Women’s Asian Games on Tuesday, September 22, after beating Sri Lanka by 147 runs in a lopsided final in Nisshin.

Also Read: ‘If what I am hearing is right…’ – R Ashwin on potential CSK captain after Zaheer Khan’s appointment

“It is a great achievement, and first of all, congratulations to the entire team. They have been performing consistently well over the years. After winning the World Cup, their confidence and fitness levels have continued to grow, and now they have followed it up with a gold medal at the Asian Games,” he said.

“Congratulations to all the players who have won medals. They have worked extremely hard to achieve these results, and it is wonderful to see the team dominating and continuing to rise. They are performing in a very professional manner, and it is really encouraging to see,” he concluded. 

Tamil Nadu have appointed Andre Siddarth as vice-captain for their Ranji Trophy opening clash against Rajasthan, which begins on October 11. Sai Kishore will lead the side as captain for the match. Siddarth, aged 20, receives the responsibility in what marks a significant recognition of his contributions to the team.

Siddarth’s elevation comes after two impressive Ranji Trophy seasons, especially his maiden one in 2024-25, in which he played a vital role in Tamil Nadu’s run to the knockouts. During that campaign, he scored 612 runs across 12 innings at an average of 68. His performances caught the attention of the Indian Premier League, where he became one of the youngest players to be picked in the IPL 2025 auction, earning a deal with Chennai Super Kings.

The appointment reflects Tamil Nadu’s confidence in Siddarth’s maturity and leadership qualities despite his age. At 18, he was the second-youngest player to be picked in the IPL 2025 mega auction, behind only Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. This recognition at such a young age underscores the impact he has made in domestic cricket circles.

Meanwhile, left-arm tweaker S. Ajith Ram has made a comeback to the side after missing last season due to injury. Keep an eye on the exciting pace duo of R.D. Pranav Ragavendra and D. Deepesh, who are known for bowling at quick speeds with commendable accuracy. Pranav made his debut back in the 2024-25 season, like Siddarth. On the other hand, Deepesh has received his maiden call-up to the side.

Tamil Nadu will want to bounce back strongly after their disappointing showing in the previous edition of the Ranji Trophy. In the 2025-26 season, they finished sixth in their group, with just one win from seven matches.

Also Read: ‘Why do you want to play it?’ – Dilip Vengsarkar questions Ranji Trophy’s relevance for India hopefuls

Full Squad for Ranji Trophy clash against Rajasthan: Sai Kishore (captain), Andre Siddarth C (vice-captain), Ajitesh G, Indrajith B, Jagadeesan N, Nidish S Rajagopal, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Vimal Khumar R, Athish SR, Deepesh D, Ajith Ram S, Hemchudeshan, Pranav Ragavendra, Saravana Kumar P, Sonu Yadav.