Home / Sports / CSK Targets Sanju Samson as Dhoni's Successor, Potential Ashwin Trade Revealed
CSK Targets Sanju Samson as Dhoni's Successor, Potential Ashwin Trade Revealed
8 Aug
Summary
- CSK interested in acquiring Sanju Samson if RR releases him
- CSK could trade Ravichandran Ashwin to RR in a potential deal
- KKR also seen as a top contender for Samson's services
According to the news report, as of August 8th, 2025, former India player Aakash Chopra has opined that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might be one of the franchises interested in acquiring Sanju Samson if the Rajasthan Royals (RR) release their skipper. Chopra pointed out that CSK could potentially trade Ravichandran Ashwin to RR in such a scenario, highlighting that the off-spinner has played for the Jaipur-based franchise previously.
Samson has reportedly asked RR to release him before the IPL 2026 auction. A CSK official has previously expressed the franchise's interest in acquiring the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter. Chopra also believes that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) might be the most interested in acquiring Samson, with CSK being the second-most keen franchise.
Chopra reasoned that CSK would be keen to look beyond MS Dhoni and acquire a big name to replace him. He suggested that the five-time champions could release Ashwin and include some additional money in the deal, as RR would need a spinner, and Ashwin has played for them earlier.
The cricketer-turned-commentator also opined that the Mumbai Indians (MI) might be the third franchise interested in acquiring Sanju Samson, as they could look to strengthen their team dynamics by bringing in the talented wicketkeeper-batter.
