Former CSK all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin believes Sanju Samson wouldn’t straight away get the leadership role at Chennai Super Kings. It has been reported that CSK is all set to trade the all-rounder duo of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is all set to return back to captaincy duties after he missed the majority of the previous season due to injury. MS Dhoni had once again led the franchise but they finished the tournament as the cellar dwellers with only four wins in 14 games.
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson also missed matches in the previous season due to injury woes at Rajasthan Royals and Riyan Parag led in his place.
“I don’t 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 said Ayush Mhatre and Sanju Samson can open the innings for CSK whereas Ruturaj Gaikwad can bat at one drop.
“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.
Ashwin said releasing Ravindra Jadeja is a big call for the Chennai Super Kings.
“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.
The IPL franchises will release the list of their retained players before November 15, which is the deadline date. IPL 2026 mini-auction is likely to be scheduled on December 15.
