Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth feel s that the Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja can end up backfiring for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He pointed out that if Jadeja goes, then the team will be left wi thout an experienced all-rounder and will have to look for a new one in the IPL 2026 auction. He further reamrked that while Sanju Samson is a great option to have, the team already has a young wicketkeeper in their ranks with Urvil Patel.
The Samson-Jadeja trade rumours have certainly instensified in the past few days. While Samson has been linked with a move to CSK for months, an experienced player like Jadeja can turn out to be vital for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and that is why they have also reportedly showed interest in the trade deal.
“Without Jadeja, who’s your all-rounder in CSK? Having an all-rounder is very important; it’s the key role in the T20 format. I am not discounting Samson, who’s superb. I’ve been reading that Sanju Samson will slowly be developed as the successor to Dhoni. But for that, you’ve Urvil Patel already. He’s also a wicketkeeper batter,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.
“By leaving Jadeja, CSK will have to scout for another all-rounder. Someone like Cameron Green is not a tried and tested material. He’s not a great all-rounder. He’s a batter who can bowl and fill in the four overs. He’s not a deadly bowler. Jadeja can win matches with his batting, bowling or fielding,” he added.
Srikkanth addresses Jadeja's batting struggles with CSK
Srikkanth also believes that Jadeja hasn't been able to play an important role for CSK with the bat because he takes the crease when only a few deliveries are left before the end of the innings. Notably, Jadeja generally comes out to bat on No.6 or 7 and barely gets a chance to settle on the crease as only a few balls are left by that time.
“Jadeja has also not got great opportunities with the bat the last two years. He would come in with two balls left. Even the crowd used to wait for him to get out so that Dhoni could come in, which was sad. Yes his strike rate wasn’t deadly in the 2025 season. But one has to see where he has batted and the situation of the game then. He doesn’t come at the top of the order. He comes at 6 or 7 predominantly so there’s only 10-12 balls to play at that time,” Srikkanth stated.
Srikkanth highlights Samson's poor record in IPL 2025
Srikkanth further went on to state that Samson's record in IPL 2025 wasn't anything great, highlighting how the wicketkeeper-batter didn't record many 50+ scores throughout the campaign.
“Even Sanju Samson’s record in IPL 2025 is nothing great. It isn’t great that he just got starts in most matches when he’s batting top of the order. How many big scores did he make coming as an opener? Only one, a 60-odd. Anyone can just give starts, even Urvil Patel has been giving starts. I am not belittling Sanju Samson. This is only Samson in comparison to Jadeja. Samson is a brilliant cricketer,” Srikkanth concluded.