Sanju Samson to CSK trade deal is off, Rajasthan Royals WON'T let their captain replace MS Dhoni next season: Report

Will Sanju Samson become Mahendra Singh Dhoni's successor at Chennai Super Kings? All eyes were on the 30-year-old Rajasthan Royals skipper as the IPL trade window is open, but a recent report claims that it seems highly unlikely for the Yellow Army to rope in the Kerala batter. Rajasthan Royals are unwilling to let their talismanic captain leave, and Sanju is reportedly convinced that he should stay and lead the franchise in the 2026 season.

Sanju Samson and Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson made his Rajasthan Royals  debuted in 2013 and has since played 11 seasons for them, becoming the longest-serving player in the team's illustrious history. Across 149 IPL matches for the Royals, the right-hander has scored 4,027 runs at an average of around 31.70 and a strike rate near 141. Samson has three IPL centuries for Rajasthan to his credit, including a career-best 119 off 63 balls against Punjab Kings in 2021. He also holds the franchise record for the most sixes, with 179. 

Taking over as captain in 2021, he has led the team for five seasons and, with 32 wins from 62 matches, has surpassed Shane Warne to become the most successful RR skipper.

A source close to the decision-makers at RR reportedly told Mumbai Mirror that Sanju Samson is the undisputed leader of the team. The report said it has been officially decided by the team that their all-time leading run-getter should not be traded ahead of the upcoming season.

Sanju Samson to leave RR for CSK?

It was in July that rumours strengthened about Samson ending his long association with RR to become Dhoni's successor behind the stumps at Chepauk. There were rumours that the swap deal would include Shivam Dube going to the Royals, who would then appoint Riyan Parag as the new skipper. With MSD nearing the end of a stellar career, Samson's addition would be ideal for the five-time champions to fill the void of an experienced Indian wicket-keeper batter with expertise in captaincy. Samson's calmness under pressure has been lauded by pundits.

According to Cricbuzz, a top CSK official has confirmed the franchise's interest but also added that it is "too premature to dwell on this at the moment."

"We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter, who is a keeper and an opener. So, if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold. Who we will trade him with, we have not taken that call because the matter has not gone that far. But yes, in principle, we are interested," the official said in a chat with Cricbuzz.

Should Samson make himself available, the dilemma for CSK would be regarding whom to offer as part of the deal. Logically, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Samson are like-for-like swaps, given that they are both priced at ₹18 crore. However, the Super Kings management has, on multiple occasions, maintained that Gaikwad's leadership appointment was made with a long-term vision in mind. Whether this trade, if it happens, can change that equation is anyone's guess. Apart from CSK, a couple of other teams are also reportedly interested in securing Samson's services.

CSK and RR were among the worst performers last season, and veteran Dhoni has confirmed that Ruturaj Gaikwad will be back to lead the team next season.

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