Main point:
Prior to IPL 2026, Chennai Super Kings want to include Sanju Samson in the team. A senior official said that the team is interested in the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Although there has been no formal conversation with Rajasthan Royals, but the possibility of trading seems to be strong.
Delhi: The five -time Indian Premier League (IPL) Champion Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has started preparations for the change in the team before the 2026 season. CSK was at the bottom of the points table for the first time in the 2025 season. Meanwhile, there is news that the team is planning to include Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson in his squad.
Senior CSK official made a statement about Sanju
According to Cricbuzz report, a senior CSK official has confirmed that the franchise is interested in Sanju Samson. He said, “We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batsman who is also a wicketkeeper and can open. If he is available, we will definitely see the option to take him in the team.”
He further said, “We have not decided yet which player will trade him because the matter has not reached that level. But yes, theoretically we are interested.”
If CSK wants to bring Samson, then he will have to trade a player in return. Sanju was retained by Rajasthan Royals as its first choice for Rs 18 crore before IPL 2025.
Cricbuzz report also states that not only CSK, but two more teams have also talked to Rajasthan Royals about Sanju Samson. Currently, the trading window is open and it will be interesting to see if CSK formally interacts with Rajasthan or not.
Samson’s performance in IPL 2025
In the IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals performed disappointing and the second below the points table. Sanju Samson played 9 matches and scored 285 runs. His best score was 66 runs which he scored against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Initially, he played as an impact player and when he returned to the captaincy, he had to miss five matches due to a side strain. In his absence, Ryan Parag took command of the team.
