Talks about Sanju Samson's expected trade ahead of IPL 2026 are making the rounds on social media. A Chennai Super Kings official has also confirmed that the franchise is interested in getting Samson at CSK.
Sanju will be a perfect replacement for someone like MS Dhoni as the captain of the franchise. He has previous leadership experience at Rajasthan Royals and it will be a smooth transition for him from RR to CK.
However, CSK is not the only franchise who are interested in getting Sanju Samson. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are also keen on getting him and using him as an opener. Knight Riders are perhaps more eager to get Samson than CSK with all the talk around Ajinkya Rahane being appointed captain, which was a last-minute call.
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Definitely Looking At Sanju Samson - CSK Official
Previously, a CSK official confirmed that the franchise is keen on getting his services. However, he added saying that formal talks are yet to take place between CSK and RR.
"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 CSK official, involved in the decision-making process, told this website on the condition of anonymity.
KKR need an Indian keeper-batter at the top so that they can get an experienced overseas pacer ahead of the next season. Quinton de Kock was roped in by KKR last year but he did not do justice to his selection.
Samson also gives KKR a leadership option. Having released Shreyas Iyer, KKR are looking for a reputed leader and Samson might just be the right choice for the franchise. It will also allow Ajinkya Rahane to play more freely at number three.
The bidding war is expected to be intense if Sanju Samson comes into the auction ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. With all teams having a proper captain and keeper, barring KKR, the Knight Riders are expected to go hard for Samson.
Lucknow Super Giants spent a whopping 27 crores in the auction. Punjab Kings spent 26.75 crores ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Franchises have gone big behind Indian players in the auction and it is expected to be the same for Samson.
It is expected that franchises can go as big as 25 crores for Samson with captains averaging 16.96 Crores in the IPL 2025 auction. One of the other reasons behind franchisees willing to go big behind Samson is his returns with the bat in the IPL in the last five years.
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Sanju Samson's Numbers in IPL Since 2021
Since 2021, Samson has been one of the most consistent Indian batters in the IPL and has scored a good number of runs. His average might not give the true impact that he has made with the bat. He has also maintained a good strike rate with the bat and led RR to the IPL final in 2022. He also scored over 500 runs in IPL 2024.
His leadership qualities, him being a top-order batter and a captaincy candidate for multiple franchises might make Sanju Samson the most expensive player of IPL 2026 if he gets into the auction.
Also Read: KKR’s Scout Drops Trade Hint for Sanju Samson, CSK’s Plans for IPL 2026 in Jeopardy?
