Will Sanju Samson Captain CSK after the Mega-Trade?

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Will Sanju Samson Captain CSK after the Mega-Trade?: Recent IPL trade rumors have created a stir in the cricketing world. There are strong reports of Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and star wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK). If this 'mega-trade' proves to be true, it will not only be an exchange of players, but also a huge indication of CSK's future captaincy.

Let's analyze the important question of whether Sanju Samson will be handed the captaincy after joining CSK.

Trade Speculation: The CSK and Sanju Samson Equation

The news of Sanju Samson joining CSK is significant because Chennai has always been looking for a potential successor to Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

• Deal Rumor: Reports suggest that CSK could trade its experienced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and possibly Sam Curran to RR in exchange for Sanju Samson.
• CSK Need: CSK is looking for an Indian player who can be traded to the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The CSK team wants to bring in a wicketkeeper-batsman who can provide long-term stability and leadership skills. Samson fits this criteria perfectly.

This move clearly shows that the CSK management is looking to the future and considers Samson central to its long-term plans.

Also Read: Is KL Rahul leaving Delhi Capitals (DC)?, Will a trade with KKR happen?

1. Captaincy Prospects: Why could Sanju Samson be the next captain of CSK?

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The primary reason for bringing Samson to CSK could be to groom him as a future captain. The following arguments support this:

Experience and Leadership Ability

Sanju Samson has been captaining the Rajasthan Royals since 2021. Under his leadership, RR reached the final in 2022. This experience will be invaluable for CSK, which needs a captain who can handle pressure.

Dhoni's Legacy and Guidance

After MS Dhoni steps down from captaincy (either in 2026 or later), Samson could be given the reins. Playing a season under Dhoni's guidance will give him the opportunity to understand the Chennai culture and learn under Dhoni's guidance. This could be part of CSK's succession plan.

Long-Term Solution

Samson is currently 31 years old and can play at the top level for another 5-7 years. CSK will have an Indian leader who can handle both wicketkeeping and captaincy duties after Dhoni, just as Dhoni did.

Also Read: Who Will Lead RR if Sanju Samson Leaves?, 3 Top Captaincy Options

2. Challenges and other contenders: Will he get the captaincy immediately?

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There are some doubts about whether Samson will take over the CSK captaincy immediately.

Ruturaj Gaikwad factor

CSK appointed Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain in 2024. The CSK management will not want to risk changing the captain in just one season, especially since Ruturaj has proven himself.

Ashwin's opinion

Indian spinner R. Ashwin also commented on the trade, saying he does not think Samson will be given the captaincy in his first season.

Team balance and pressure

Samson will be under pressure to adjust to a new franchise. He will first need to establish himself as a player and earn the team's trust, only then can he be considered for captaincy.

Final Decision: Roadmap to Captaincy

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If this trade happens, it's most likely that Sanju Samson won't be named captain immediately.

• 2026 IPL (Probable): Ruturaj Gaikwad will remain captain. Sanju Samson could be seen as the main player and vice-captain.
• 2027 IPL (Probable): After Dhoni fully retires and Ruturaj's captaincy performance is assessed, Sanju Samson could be given the captaincy of CSK. This will be a deliberate, phased transition.

Conclusion: Samson to Replace Gaikwad? Sanju Samson's arrival at CSK is almost certain to be as a future captain. He will be part of Dhoni's long-term captaincy plan, not an immediate replacement for current captain Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Also Read: Why is Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals and joining CSK?