Big changes might happen in IPL cricket before the next season starts. CSK to sign Sanju Samson as MS Dhoni’s replacement has become a hot topic recently. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra thinks this move would be really smart for Chennai.
Sanju Samson wants to leave the Rajasthan Royals after playing there for almost ten years. The wicketkeeper-batsman has told RR management he wants to try something new elsewhere. This news has excited fans who think he deserves a fresh start.
Chopra believes Samson could be perfect for the Chennai Super Kings in the future. MS Dhoni is getting older, and CSK needs someone younger to take over.
Two Teams Want Samson Badly
Aakash Chopra thinks Kolkata Knight Riders would love to have Samson for IPL 2026. KKR needs a good Indian wicketkeeper-batsman who can score runs consistently every match. Their current captain, Ajinkya Rahane, hasn’t been scoring enough runs for the team.
“The first name that comes to my mind is not CSK. KKR should be the most desperate team,” Chopra said. “KKR don’t have an Indian wicketkeeper-batter, and that just ties their hands behind their back. Secondly, what’s wrong if you get a captain? I am not denying that Ajinkya Rahane has captained well and has scored runs as well.”
CSK to sign Sanju Samson as MS Dhoni’s replacement makes even more sense, though. Chennai has always liked experienced players who can handle pressure situations well. Samson fits this description perfectly for their team culture and style.
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Chopra even suggested CSK could trade R Ashwin back to Rajasthan for Samson. CSK to sign Sanju Samson as MS Dhoni’s replacement would solve their future captain problem.
“They could look at a possible trade, maybe send R Ashwin back to Rajasthan, who need a spinner. He’s played there before and could fill a gap. So that’s not out of the question either,” he said.
Samson Gets Tired of Rajasthan
Sanju Samson has been playing for the Rajasthan Royals since he was very young. He even became their captain, but things haven’t worked out as expected lately. The team released some important players, like Jos Buttler, which upset many fans.
“Why would Sanju Samson want to leave? It’s interesting because when the last mega auction happened, they let Jos Buttler go, and I felt they let Jos Buttler go because Yashasvi had come and Sanju wanted to open, and Sanju and Rajasthan Royals were really, really thick,” Chopra shared.
RR also started focusing more on younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal this season. This made Samson feel less important in the team’s future plans. At 30 years old, he wants to play where he feels valued.
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The team’s new strategy doesn’t seem to include Samson as their main star. He probably feels it’s time to find a team that really wants him.
