Speaking about CSK\u2019s leadership transition over the years, Ashwin said the shift had already begun during Ravindra Jadeja\u2019s brief stint as captain, even though it did not pan out as expected. He added that current skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has effectively been running the show alongside head coach Stephen Fleming in recent seasons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think the mantle is already passed on. When Jadeja took over the captaincy a few years ago, I think that is when the mantle was likely to be passed on. Didn\u2019t quite work out, and then it\u2019s been, Ruturaj\u2026 I think Ruturaj has been running the show for the last 2-3 years along with Fleming,\u201d Ashwin told ESPNCricinfo.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former CSK player went on to say that Samson could eventually lead the five-time IPL champions, though he refrained from predicting a timeline.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe mantle passing over, if you ask me, I mean, I\u2019m no astrologer, but all I can tell you is I do see Sanju captaining CSK at some stage. Don\u2019t know when, but I do see that happening,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ashwin, however, emphasised that Samson's leadership should not come with the burden of replicating past greats, in an apparent reference to CSK\u2019s legacy under MS Dhoni.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe one thing I wouldn\u2019t want to risk upon or don\u2019t want for Sanju is him stepping into anybody\u2019s shoes. You don\u2019t have to really step into anybody\u2019s legacy. We don\u2019t necessarily need to live like that nor play like that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got his own unique clothing in which he lives, and I would like to see his own imprint on it. The very fact that we need to follow somebody\u2019s footsteps is where the issue begins. Then we don\u2019t live our lives, right? We start catering to somebody else\u2019s footprints. That is something I don\u2019t want to see him do,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe one thing I wouldn\u2019t want to risk upon or don\u2019t want for Sanju is him stepping into anybody\u2019s shoes. You don\u2019t have to really step into anybody\u2019s legacy. We don\u2019t necessarily need to live like that nor play like that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Samson will again be in focus when CSK face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n