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Rumors surrounding a potential trade or transfer for Sanju Samson have gained significant traction since the conclusion of a lackluster 2025 IPL season for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The team's performance was hampered by a couple of injury layoffs for their captain, which limited his on-field role. In his absence, the Royals appeared to find a promising new opening combination with young left-hander Yashasvi Jaiswal and the talented Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Sanju Samson is the right replacement for MS Dhoni in CSK: K Srikkanth
Amidst the growing speculation, particularly linking Samson to the Chennai Super Kings, former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth has weighed in. Srikkanth suggested that a potential move for Samson would be an ideal way for CSK to find a long-term replacement for their iconic leader, MS Dhoni. However, Srikkanth also emphasised that the Rajasthan Royals should prioritize finding a way to keep Samson, especially after having built their team around him at the start of a new Mega Auction cycle. Samson and Jaiswal were the Royals' top retentions at Rs 18 crore each ahead of the auctions held in 2024.
“Going by the reports, there seems to be a rift between him and Rahul Dravid, but I am not fully aware. Look at it from a franchise point of view. They have paid him a certain amount and retained him. They have formed the team around him. All of a sudden, if you release him, what happens to the team balance? They haven’t won the IPL since 2008," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
“They have reached the final after that (in 2022). I don’t think I would let go of Sanju Samson. If they want to promote Riyan Parag as captain, that is their choice. I would still play Samson as a batter. He’s been paid INR 18 crore,” Srikkanth added.
In his comments, K Srikkanth highlighted Samson's immense popularity in Chennai, suggesting it makes him a perfect fit for the local franchise. He pointed to Samson’s multi-faceted skills as a keeper-batter and a leader, qualities that align with the role of the legendary MS Dhoni. Srikkanth believes that with the 44-year-old Dhoni nearing the end of his IPL career, Samson could be the ideal player to take on the mantle and ensure a smooth transition for the team.
“To tell you the truth, Sanju is a brilliant player and he’s very popular in Chennai. He’s got a good brand image in Chennai. As I said, I’ll be the first one to pick him for Chennai if he is willing to leave and comes this side. He’s the right replacement for MS Dhoni. Dhoni can play this season, maybe not the year after and then you can have a smooth transition. But I feel if Ruturaj Gaikwad has been given the captaincy, he should be continued with,” he concluded.
The coming season of the IPL is set to be a fascinating one for Samson and his future. It remains to be seen whether he will continue his long association with RR or make a move to another team.
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