Overview:
With his extensive captaincy experience from Rajasthan Royals, he can support the leadership group, step in when Gaikwad is unavailable, and provide continuity and stability for the side.
After shining in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Sanju Samson is set to begin a new journey in the IPL with the Chennai Super Kings. Having spent several seasons leading the Rajasthan Royals, Samson now moves to a new team environment where Ruturaj Gaikwad will serve as captain. His precise role, particularly regarding wicketkeeping duties, remains uncertain due to MS Dhoni’s presence.
This transition represents a major shift in Samson’s career. Joining a franchise with CSK’s legacy brings both high expectations and opportunities. The Chepauk stadium offers him a fresh platform to adapt and display his talent to a broader audience. Already supported by a devoted fan base, Samson’s move could further boost his popularity in the upcoming season.
Analyzing CSK’s decision to bring him onboard, Anil Kumble noted that the franchise is embracing a generational change in leadership. He highlighted Samson’s current form and confidence as factors making him an important addition to the squad.
“Indian cricket has seen icons pass the torch from one generation to the next—Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, then to Virat Kohli, with MS Dhoni as part of that era. Players like Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly set the stage before the transition to Dhoni and Kohli, who still carry immense influence and consistently deliver. In this context, bringing Sanju Samson into CSK is an excellent decision. Adding to that, his brilliant form heading into the IPL and his World Cup-winning performance with three consecutive impactful innings make it even more promising,” Kumble said.
Kumble emphasised that Samson’s contribution extends beyond cricketing skills. Being Kerala-born, fluent in Tamil, and a wicketkeeper-batsman reminiscent of MS Dhoni, he is expected to strengthen both the team’s performance and fan engagement.
“I’m confident he will boost the franchise’s fan base. From Chennai’s viewpoint, he’s a perfect fit—Kerala-born, speaks Tamil, which creates a local connection, a wicketkeeper-batsman in the style of MS Dhoni, and his experience will be a big asset for CSK,” he added.
CSK have faced recurring challenges in establishing stable leadership in recent seasons, with Dhoni stepping in multiple times due to injuries or transitional periods.
“I believe Sanju is ideally suited for a vice-captain role. Having led Rajasthan Royals for several seasons, leadership comes naturally to him, and that’s exactly what CSK can benefit from. Last year, when Ruturaj was sidelined due to injury, MS Dhoni stepped in, and previously, when Ravindra Jadeja was captain, Dhoni had to resume leadership mid-season. This highlights the challenges in identifying a clear successor for MS.
“Ruturaj has now been confirmed as captain, which is good even with Sanju joining the squad. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dhoni entrusts Sanju with wicketkeeping at some stage. He will also be part of the leadership group and can step in if Ruturaj is unavailable, rather than MS taking over,” Kumble mentioned.
According to Kumble, Samson is ideally positioned for a vice-captain role. With his extensive captaincy experience from Rajasthan Royals, he can support the leadership group, step in when Gaikwad is unavailable, and provide continuity and stability for the side.