Report | CSK confirm interest in RR skipper Sanju Samson 'in principle'

Marquee top-order Indian batter Sanju Samson has caught the eye of Chennai Super Kings as the franchise looks to rebuild following a disastrous IPL 2025 campaign. The five-time champions finished last with just four wins in 14 games, two of which came after the side had already been eliminated from the playoff race. With the retirement of former skipper MS Dhoni -- who reclaimed the role on an interim basis for the latter half of the season after Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out due to injury -- imminent, CSK are in need of a wicket-keeper batter to take over the mantle as well as add leadership experience in what shaped up to be a vastly inexperienced lineup towards the end of the season. 

‌"We are definitely looking at Sanju. He is an Indian batter, who is a keeper and an opener. So if he is available, we will certainly have a look at the option of having him in our fold. Who we will trade him with we have not taken that call because the matter has not gone that far. But yes, in principle, we are interested," the CSK official, involved in the decision-making process, told Cricbuzz on the condition of anonymity.

Samson was retained by Rajasthan ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 18 crores but spent the majority of last season on the bench after subbering a rib injury in one of the matches. Should he be traded, the franchise will be keen on acquiring a suitable replacement in form of a trade, with the likes of Noor Ahmad, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, and Matheesha Pathirana arguably the most lucrative options on the table.

The trade window remains open until a week before the auction, usually scheduled twoards the end of a calendar year, and reopens after the event until a month before the new season kicks off.