3 reasons Sanju Samson could be traded from RR to CSK ahead of IPL 2026

The speculations about Sanju Samson potentially trading from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have received immense attention in recent times. According to reports, the five-time champions are interested in the star wicketkeeper-batter, although no formal communication has been initiated yet with the Royals’ management. A few other franchises are also reportedly in the race.

Samson, who was retained for INR 18 crore, is one of RR’s poster boys. CSK have rarely gone all out in the trade window, their last one being an all-cash deal for Robin Uthappa from RR in 2021. The current trading window is set to remain open until a week before the next IPL auction. Meanwhile, CSK have more than enough reasons to acquire the 30-year-old.

Three reasons Sanju Samson could be traded from RR to CSK:

3. Need of specialist wicketkeeper-batter if MS Dhoni retires

With MS Dhoni’s future still uncertain, CSK will be looking for a smooth and natural transition by targeting Sanju Samson. Dhoni, who turned 43, led CSK once again in 2025 after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury, but the season ended on a disappointing note with the team finishing at the bottom. Dhoni himself managed just 196 runs in 13 innings and hinted at retirement, saying he would take some months to decide.

Meanwhile, Samson could fill in the big role behind the stumps and as a batter. Since 2013, he has been part of the RR setup and has led them since 2021. Not only does Samson have excellent glove work, but his leadership and batting abilities also make him an ideal candidate.

2. Captaincy experience

Sanju Samson’s captaincy experience could make him a much-needed asset for CSK. The Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter has led Rajasthan Royals (RR) since 2021. In 68 matches in the role, Samson has guided RR to 34 wins, surpassing the legendary Shane Warne’s 31, making him the most successful captain in franchise history. Under his leadership, RR reached the IPL 2022 final and secured a playoff spot in 2024. 

While Ruturaj Gaikwad was handed the CSK captaincy in 2024, his captaincy record is decent, with just eight wins in 19 matches across two seasons. Samson provides both experience and success as a leader.

1. Ability to bat in different positions

With Chennai Super Kings looking to strengthen their batting order after an underwhelming IPL 2025, Sanju Samson could be the ideal fit for the five-time champions, given his batting ability across various positions. While he has primarily played at No. 3, he has also delivered important knocks as an opener as well as at No. 4. On occasions, he has batted at positions 5 and 6, giving teams a required batting depth and an experienced player down the order.

CSK’s 2025 season saw their middle order fail repeatedly, especially after Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury. Young talents like Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis produced solid knocks in the second half of the season. Still, the lineup was without an experienced Indian batter to anchor the innings. With 4704 IPL runs in 177 matches at a strike rate of 139.04, Samson could bring the required necessities to the team.