Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Chennai Super Kings could be one of the IPL franchises that could be interested in getting Sanju Samson on board. According to reports, Samson wants to be released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the mini auction.
Chopra feels CSK could trade Ravichandran Ashwin to Rajasthan Royals for Sanju Samson as the veteran all-rounder had earlier played for the inaugural champions for four seasons.
The renowned commentator reckons Kolkata Knight Riders will be the most interested in roping Sanju Samson.
“The second team that comes to my mind is CSK. Chennai will be keen. Chennai have to now look beyond MS Dhoni. I am not saying whether Dhoni will play this year or not. They have brought Urvil Patel, but Urvil Patel is not going to be that CSK’s brand. If someone comes in place of MS Dhoni, it has to be a big name,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“They can release Ashwin. It could be Ashwin plus some money because Rajasthan need a spinner. Ashwin has played there earlier too. I had floated Jaddu’s (Ravindra Jadeja) name earlier once, but I don’t think they are going to release him,” he added.
On the other hand, former KKR batter believes Mumbai Indians might be the third franchise that would be interested in Sanju Samson for IPL 2026.
“The third team I am thinking of is slightly outside the box. That is the Mumbai Indians. They have Ryan Rickelton, a left-handed opening batter, but he is overseas. Ultimately, you get stuck. When he left, you had to bring in Jonny Bairstow, and they can’t stop Jonny Bairstow,” he reasoned.
The former Delhi cricketer reckons Samson’s inclusion in the MI squad could change the team’s complexion.
“He (Bairstow) came after the break, so he will have to be released. He is not available for them to keep. Rohit Sharma opens with Ryan Rickelton. The team is good, but if you want to make it stronger, you will want to take Sanju. If you get Sanju, suddenly, you can change the dynamics a bit more,” Chopra observed.
Samson has scored 4704 runs in 176 IPL matches at an average of 30.75.
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