Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth has claimed that Sanju Samson could be the ideal choice for a wicket-keeper and a leader of the side on the pitch for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) when MS Dhoni finally decides to stop playing.
Srikkanth spoke about this just as reports surfaced that Samson, 30, has asked Rajasthan Royals (RR) to release or trade him ahead of the next IPL season.
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While Dhoni is likely to feature next IPL season in 2026, Srikkanth feels it is time to start thinking about the future.
Should Sanju Samson replace MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings?
Srikkanth suggested that the Rajasthan Royals leader could be the “right replacement” for MS Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, “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 also made it clear that if Samson joins CSK, it would help the team in a smooth shift after Dhoni.
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“He’s the right replacement for MS Dhoni. Dhoni can maximum 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,” Srikkanth added.
Why is Samson’s future with Rajasthan Royals in doubt?
Reports claim Samson has told the Royals’ management he wants to explore options outside the team.
This move has surprised many, as the franchise has built its core around him. Srikkanth, however, believes letting him go would be a huge mistake.
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He explained, “Going by the paper 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.”
“They have reached the final after that. 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 Rs 18 crore,” he added.
Samson’s 2025 IPL season was mixed. He played only nine matches for RR, scoring 285 runs at a strike rate above 140, but the team struggled overall and finished ninth on the points table.