Sanju Samson could plug multiple holes for the Chennai Super Kings with a successful trade, but the Kerala star cannot expect captaincy straightaway, felt his former Rajasthan Royals teammate, R Ashwin.
Ashwin, who retired from the IPL after his last stint with CSK in August this year, also said that CSK’s decision to potentially trade spin legend Ravindra Jadeja is a huge call by the franchise.
“I dont think Sanju will get captaincy at CSK because it would be his first year and I am not sure they will give him captaincy right away. But he will definitely be an option to lead in the future if the trade happens,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Ashwin added that Samson’s inclusion will fill a gap in the CSK top order. Since MS Dhoni relinquished the captaincy role, CSK have handed over the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. However, when Gaikwad was out injured early in the IPL 2025 season, Dhoni reprised his role as the talisman of the five-time champions. With CSK pursuing the Samson trade with keen in interest, it is all but confirmed that the upcoming edition will be the last for the 44-year-old Dhoni in a professional playing capacity.
“CSK also benefit by plugging that gap in the top order. Ayush and Sanju can open, Ruturaj can come at three, which is what he has been wanting to do. That gives them balance. But the loss would be that from where will they bring another spinner? Who is going to be that spinner who they will bank upon to bowl the middle overs? Who is that gun marquee fielder for them? Finishing is the issue,” he added.
“One thing in the fans’ minds will be Jadeja’s affinity for CSK. Jadeja is no small player for CSK. There is some emotion attached to Jadeja and CSK. And trading is not something they have done in the past. This could also be a good opportunity for Jadeja. RR is a team built on a lot of youngsters and a lot of connections. It is a big decision for CSK to leave Jadeja out,” he said.
Samson a better fit at DC
Ashwin, however, remarked that Samson could benefitted with a move to the Delhi Capitals, his former franchise, with better wickets at play at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
“Everyone knows that Sanju Samson wants to leave Rajasthan. Other franchises will be interested for his skill and talent and also that it weakens the other side. From my view, Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi for Samson in Delhi was very close to completion but it did not happen. It made sense for Delhi and the wicket was good for batting there so it was best for Samson. If you score more in the IPL you are in the limelight. This trade would be have made more sense for Sanju. It was a good deal for RR as well as they had troubles in finishing,” he added.
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