Having led the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a remarkable five IPL crowns, MS Dhoni might miss the upcoming IPL 2026. CSK will need a competent leader as well as a wicketkeeper-batter should this happen.
According to recent internal sources, Sanju Samson, captain of the Rajasthan Royals, might possibly take control at CSK in the next IPL 2026 season. Social media has shown hints of related activities popping up. Accompanied by his wife, Sanju Samson was seen at a Texas Super Kings game during the current Major League Cricket (MLC) event in New York. Note that the Texas Super Kings are the American equivalent of CSK. Sanju’s own wife shared this specific story on social media.
Prior to this, a CSK manager had expressed interest by liking a social media post indicating the Rajasthan Royals would be releasing Sanju Samson, and CSK had made an approach for him. Though there has not yet been any official word on which team Sanju would represent in the IPL 2026 season, conjecture about this issue is growing.
Early in the IPL 2025 season, a finger fracture had forced the right-handed batsman to play as an Impact Player. He then sat out several games due to an abdominal injury. His injury made it possible for 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi to debut in the playing XI.
Samson chose to go down to the number 3 spot given Sooryavanshi’s great form and his successful partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the head of the order. Over nine games, he amassed 285 runs, averaging 35. 62 with a strike rate of 140. 39, including only one half-century.
India is scheduled to play its next white-ball game in two months; therefore, the Kerala cricketer has a chance to completely heal. For the next home season, he will see KCL 2025 as a preparation stage. His involvement should generate much interest in the competition and capture national attention.
