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As the IPL 2026 trade window has opened, one question dominates cricketing chatter: Will Sanju Samson play for CSK in IPL 2026? The Chennai Super Kings, one of the most successful IPL clubs, are reportedly looking at signing Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson, which might shake up the team compositions ahead of the upcoming big season.
With MS Dhoni set to retire before or during the IPL 2026, CSK would want a seasoned Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to fill the big vacuum. Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite an exceptional batter, has yet to establish himself as a long-term leader.
Sanju Samson, who's proven his leadership skills and consistency with RR, fits this gap perfectly - both behind the stumps and at the top of the batting order.
"We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter, who is a keeper and an opener," a CSK official told Cricbuzz, confirming their interest in him.
Samson has grown as a batter and leader. He took RR to the IPL 2022 final and has matured tactically. His ability to adapt as an opener, middle-order player, and finisher makes him one of the most versatile Indian players in the league.
He would be a long-term asset for CSK, which is renowned for creating solid Indian cores.
July 2025 marked the start of the IPL trade window, which will last until just before the 2026 auction. This gives franchises time to negotiate player swaps and salary adjustments.
Sanju Samson's contract value: ₹18 crore (RR retention in 2025).
What CSK might offer RR: Possibly a trade involving players like Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, or even Maheesh Theekshana, or a multi-player cash swap.
Aakash Chopra speculated that a player of Jadeja's stature would need to be offered if CSK wants to convince RR to let go of their skipper.
"If Sanju goes, RR will ask for someone huge. Maybe Jadeja," – said Aakash Chopra.
The management of RR has not stated anything yet about their plan to trade Samson.
Emotional value: Sanju has been RR's spokesperson for many years, gaining a devoted following and a solid reputation as a leader there.
Leadership vacuum in RR: Letting Samson go would mean that RR needs to look for a new captain and marquee player.
its a known fact that MS Dhoni will soon depart, CSK has to reassemble their Indian core, particularly in terms of leadership. Their 2025 campaign brought to light their reliance on elderly stars and their dearth of Indian potential on the bench.
Bringing in Samson will :
Cover both keeper and opener roles
Allows the franchise to groom him as captain.
Attracts younger fans looking for a modern face post-Dhoni.
A regional report in Malayalam media suggested CSK is not only eyeing Sanju for a playing role but possibly as the next captain too.
The rumour of Sanju joining CSK has caused a stir on social media:
CSK fans are divided now: some are excited, others are reluctant to let go of Jadeja or Dhoni's legacy.
RR fans are unhappy about the idea, fearing their team could lose its core strength.
Popular Tamil and Malayalam fan pages have picked up the news, with some even suggesting that Sanju has already been approached for leadership talks by CSK insiders.
While no formal confirmation has come from either franchise, the volume of discussion indicates that the talks have substance.
Sanju Samson moving to CSK is still a possibility at this point, although it is not yet official. Samson is a vital player having the ability to fit into the Chennai Super Kings' future ambitions, particularly in the post-Dhoni era when they require a capable Indian wicketkeeper-batter and leader. The team has openly shown their interest in Samson.
Despite his crucial role in the Rajasthan Royals' setup and leadership core, the team has not indicated that they are willing to let him go. A high-profile transfer like this would probably necessitate a significant trade, maybe with a great player like Ravindra Jadeja heading the other way, but the trade window is open and the time is ideal.
This could end up being one of the most significant transfer sagas before the 2026 Indian Premier League, with fans speculating and buzzing. The move is conceivable for the time being, but it will depend on how hard CSK pursues him and whether RR is amenable to compromise.
