Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders chase Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026

Dubai: India’s T20 wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is reportedly set to part ways with Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 season, bringing an end to a long and impactful association that began in 2013. The Kerala star has been the face of the Royals for several years and has captained the team since 2021.

Reports indicate that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have shown serious interest in acquiring Samson, possibly grooming him for leadership in the post-MS Dhoni era. With Dhoni expected to retire from IPL soon, CSK is believed to be preparing for a transition, and Samson’s name has emerged as a top choice to fill the void.

According to media sources in India, CSK may attempt to sign Samson before the 2026 mini-auction. If direct negotiations do not materialise, they are expected to bid for him aggressively in the auction. His calm demeanour, experience, and explosive batting make him an ideal successor to Dhoni, especially for a franchise known for its composed leadership.

Samson’s journey with Rajasthan Royals has been notable. After joining the franchise in 2013, he briefly played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) during the Royals’ suspension in 2016 and 2017 before returning to Rajasthan in 2018. As captain, he led the team to the IPL 2022 final, where they lost to Gujarat Titans.

However, the Royals struggled in 2025, failing to reach the playoffs. Samson, sidelined for much of the season due to injury, was replaced by Riyan Parag as captain. The lack of experienced Indian players in his absence exposed the team’s over-reliance on Samson.

In addition to CSK, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are also reportedly exploring the option of signing Samson. KKR, having had leadership uncertainties in recent years, may see Samson as a long-term captaincy solution.

If the transfer goes through, it would mark a significant moment in IPL history — a leading Indian star switching from one iconic franchise to another. Fans across Kerala and Tamil Nadu are already reacting strongly on social media, speculating a showdown between CSK and KKR in the auction.

As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, all eyes will be on Sanju Samson — the captain, the game-changer, and potentially the next leader of CSK.