CSK keep fans guessing about Sanju Samson's status with latest post featuring Ruturaj Gaikwad; check reactions

CSK's post featuring Ruturaj Gaikwad-Sanju Samson sends fans into meltdown (X/ChennaiIPL)

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sent their fans into meltdown with their latest social media post featuring Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The photo was from the Ranji Trophy match between Maharashtra and Kerala at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

While Gaikwad is already the skipper of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, there are speculations connecting Rajasthan Royals skipper with CSK. The post only adds fuel to fire, leaving fans excited who wish to see the wicketkeeper-batter join forces with the five-time IPL winners.

Here are a few reactions:

Then : Dhoni & Raina
Now : Sanju & Ruturaj ??? pic.twitter.com/MAIkygCiLR

— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) October 17, 2025

pic.twitter.com/O1JqYn7b7n

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— Tyrion Kanpuriya (@tyrionkanpuriya) October 17, 2025

Ruturaj to Sanju , "Come to CSK mate"!

— A (@anushmita7) October 17, 2025

its a hint for all us sanju coming to csk soon

— Roy (@Ruff07242038) October 17, 2025

CSK  RR  pic.twitter.com/gbo32sOqTx

— Akshay Maru Jonty (@AkshayMaru9876) October 17, 2025

There will be a mini-auction for the upcoming edition but before that all franchises will release their respective retention list. Although, the official dates for the 2026 IPL auction aren't out yet, a report in Cricbuzz stated December 13-15 to be the tentative window for the much-awaited event. The same report mentioned the deadline for retentions to be November 15, although that is also not official.

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Meanwhile, an additional amount of Rs 9.75 crore has freed up in CSK's purse because of Ravichandran Ashwin's retirement from IPL. There are also speculations that the franchise may release some big names, however, those reports were debunked by a CSK official. As reported previously, the final retention will be finalised after a meeting of head coach Stephen Fleming, seasoned wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni, and skipper Gaikwad. Also with the return of N Srinivasan, the former BCCI and the ICC chief, as the CSK chairman, he is expected to have the final word on all cricket matters.

Samson, on the other hand, has dominated trade talks but his association with Royals remains unclear as neither franchise or the player has commented on the subject.