In a broad claim that has created a lot of discussion, cricket analyst and former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has said that Sanju Samson is the best player to replace MS Dhoni as the wicket-keeper batter for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
While discussing on his Fun 2 Cricket YouTube channel, Chopra emphasized that due to his pedigree and experience, Samson qualifies more than any of the younger players like Urvil Patel.
“Sanju Samson to CSK – is that a possibility? Reports are coming in, and nothing has been finalized yet, but CSK is interested,” Chopra declared.
Reports suggest that CSK has shown genuine interest in acquiring Sanju Samson from the Rajasthan Royals, although no formal trade talks have been confirmed. A CSK official reportedly stated that the franchise is actively looking for a keeper-batsman to carry forward Dhoni’s legacy, and Samson would be a strong candidate.
“You need a keeper with stature and experience. If someone has to take Dhoni’s legacy forward, Sanju Samson is a fitting choice,” Chopra emphasized.
Urvil Patel’s Spot in Jeopardy?
The addition of Sanju Samson to CSK’s lineup might disrupt the prospects of young Urvil Patel, who was included in the team as a replacement player. Drafting for INR 30 lakhs in IPL 2025, Patel played three matches, scoring 68 runs at a devastating strike rate of 212.50.
Although he had success with his gloves, with MS Dhoni available Patel never had the chance to keep.
If CSK signs Samson, it will most likely close the door on Urvil’s potential development as a first-choice keeper, at least in the short term.
CSK-RR Trade: Who’s In It?
Speculating in his chat, Aakash Chopra theorized that CSK may include players like Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin in return for Samson if the trade discussion were to kick off. He was however quick to add that nothing is on the negotiation table as yet.
“Rajasthan Royals can ask for a high-profile player in exchange, perhaps Ashwin or Jadeja. It is their right to seek if this transaction becomes a reality,” Chopra observed.
Sanju Samson’s Impressive IPL Career So Far
Sanju Samson has created an outstanding IPL career with 4704 runs from 177 games, including three centuries. Since making his debut in
2013 for the Rajasthan Royals, he has been scoring consistently strong performances:
2018: 441 runs
2019-2023: Repeatedly breached 300+ runs in each season
2024: Best season with 531 runs
2025: Appeared in only 9 games owing to injury
His pressure performance and his ability to lead a side make him an asset in the top class for any team.
Sanju Samson to CSK Could Be a Gamechanger
While there has been no official news confirming Sanju Samson is headed towards CSK, it has leaked out to the world outside of mainstream media and has triggered excitement, speculation, and good conversation, as it relates to India, sports of any kind, and especially the IPL. CSK is considering recruiting a second-wicketkeeper with some experience because of the retiring legend, MS Dhoni.
Of the possibilities, Sanju’s name has come to the forefront making it an emotional and pulsating situation. Certainly, if shoehorned into a potential trade or free agency sign-on, who knows, this could be a monumental change in the yardstick of the distance between both CSK and Sanju Samson’s IPL career.
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