Sanju Samson-Ravindra Jadeja trade signals CSK’s next captain after MS Dhoni, believes Anil Kumble

Sanju Samson likely to become new captain of CSK. (Photo: IPL)

In preparation for the 2026 Indian Premier League, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) acquired Rajasthan Royals (RR) player Sanju Samson on Saturday in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. After playing for RR during the first two IPL seasons, Jadeja returned to the team after ten years.

India veteran Anil Kumble applauded the move while talking to Star Sports, saying that Samson's entrance to CSK is a wise choice and that he might be a captain once MS Dhoni retires from the IPL. The captain of CSK at the moment is Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose future as captain may also be in jeopardy. Before IPL 2024, he replaced MS Dhoni in the position. Due to Gaikwad's injury, Dhoni did take over as captain last year.

"It's a big move. It's a big move because Chennai Super Kings generally don't really trade their players who've been with them for a while, and I was a bit surprised that Jadeja moved to Rajasthan Royals. Obviously, Sanju Samson coming to CSK is a plus and a positive, because MS Dhoni, I'm not sure how long he can continue as a wicketkeeper-batter. I'm sure captaincy could be one option," he said.

“For Sanju Samson, although Ruturaj Gaikwad has done a good job for CSK, and then you needed an Indian opener. Now that Conway has also bid adieu and yes, I know Mathre is there, but you have a top-order Indian batter, wicketkeeper, and a solid player in Sanju Samson. So I think that's a great positive for CSK.”

Jadeja's transfer to RR was also commended by Kumble, who said that his all-around skills would be useful. "And to have Jadeja for Rajasthan Royals, you needed that Indian spinner because Rajasthan were playing with two Sri Lankan spinners last season compared to the previous campaigns where they had two stalwarts, Ashwin and Yuzi Chahal. I think Jadeja will certainly add value to Rajasthan Royals with his left-hand batting in the middle order," he said.

"Then his experience, and of course, his left arm spin and fielding. So he's an asset to any team, but Rajasthan is a great option for him. From all accounts, it feels like both parties have been benefited by this particular deal," he added.

Samson scored 4027 runs for RR in 149 games, including two tons and 23 half-centuries. Jadeja took 143 wickets and scored 2198 runs in 186 games while playing for CSK.