Why Sanju Samson will not be in CSK colours in IPL 2026?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had their worst-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2025, finishing last on the table for the first time ever. The team finished with only four victories and collected only eight points, and their historical tactic of simply relying on experienced and all-rounders did not pan out at all. CSK struggled with all areas of the game - batting, bowling, and fielding. Toward the end of the campaign, stand-in skipper MS Dhoni hinted at major changes in the squad. Despite the poor run, a few youngsters impressed in limited chances. Adding to the buzz, rumours suggest Sanju Samson may move from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to CSK ahead of IPL 2026.

Reports from The Indian Express revealed that Samson had already met CSK’s management and head coach Stephen Fleming during the Major League Cricket season. Rajasthan Royals, however, are believed to have asked for two players from Chennai in exchange for their star wicketkeeper-batter. This demand has complicated matters for CSK, who are reportedly evaluating whether to move forward with such a deal. Given the situation, the five-time champions could instead explore an all-cash transaction to secure Samson, avoiding the risk of losing valuable squad members.

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Heading into 2026, CSK also face uncertainties around leadership. While MS Dhoni’s future remains unclear, full-time captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has struggled with both form and captaincy. The franchise also battled inconsistency in their opening partnerships, experimenting with four different combinations through the season. This instability has intensified speculation about the need for a reliable top-order batter like Samson. However, former RR teammate R Ashwin recently suggested that Samson’s move might not succeed, noting CSK’s reluctance to trade players, especially at a value as high as INR 18 crore.

Why CSK will not bid for Sanju Samson in upcoming mini auction?

Sanju Samson’s inclusion in Chennai Super Kings (CSK) may not solve their problems and could, in fact, create new ones. Samson usually bats in the top order, a space already crowded with options like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rachin Ravindra, 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, and New Zealand’s Devon Conway. Rising talent Urvil Patel, who impressed with cameos in IPL 2025, also strengthens the wicketkeeping department alongside Conway. With Ruturaj’s potential shift to No. 3 or No. 4, fitting Samson into the batting lineup becomes a difficult challenge for the team.

Adding to the concerns, Samson’s record at CSK’s home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium, has been underwhelming. In 11 innings, he has scored only 134 runs at an average of 12.18, including a duck. His strike rate of 100.75 further highlights his struggles at Chepauk, where he has never managed to score a half-century or a hundred. Such poor statistics raise doubts about his ability to perform consistently on CSK’s home turf.

Samson’s captaincy record at Chepauk also doesn’t inspire confidence. Out of three matches he has led there, two ended in defeats, with his only win coming narrowly by three runs. With such numbers, CSK’s management may think twice before pursuing him. Considering the franchise’s reliance on player compatibility and home-ground advantage, Samson’s poor performances in Chennai could weigh heavily against his chances of joining the five-time champions for the IPL 2026 season.