Sanju Samson set to replace MS Dhoni in IPL 2026? Here's the update
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has shed light on the thinking behind the franchise’s bold decision to trade Sanju Samson into the squad in exchange for Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja. Fleming explained that MS Dhoni’s future with the franchise was a significant factor in the move, as CSK begin planning for a smooth transition once the legendary captain eventually steps away from the game. According to Fleming, the management felt it was essential to start preparing for life after Dhoni, whose influence has defined the franchise for over a decade. Bringing in Samson was viewed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix. The wicketkeeper-batter’s leadership qualities, experience at the highest level, and ability to anchor or accelerate an innings made him an ideal fit for CSK’s future plans.
Will MS Dhoni retirement come real in IPL 2026?
At 31, Sanju Samson is entering the prime phase of his career and, if he maintains his fitness and consistency, could serve the franchise for at least another IPL cycle. In contrast, MS Dhoni, now 44, is widely regarded to be in the twilight of his illustrious playing career. Fleming emphasized that while Dhoni remains central to CSK’s setup, the franchise believes in staying ahead of transitions, ensuring continuity and stability while safeguarding its competitive edge for the years to come.
“For us, the opportunity was there. We felt we were still a little bit light in our opening batting. And we were also looking at the fact that at some point, MS will move on," stated CSK head coach Stephen Fleming.
“Sanju is an international-quality player, and he fills that role very well. So it’s succession planning, but also about refreshing the group and looking at what Chennai will look like in six years, not just two," he added.
Chennai Super Kings have traditionally built their success around experienced campaigners, players who understand pressure situations and have consistently delivered at the highest level. That long-standing philosophy, however, saw a subtle but significant shift at the IPL 2026 auction, as the five-time champions chose to invest heavily in youth while keeping the future firmly in focus.
CSK made a major statement by securing young talents Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer for a combined outlay of INR 14.2 crore. Kartik, an explosive wicketkeeper-batter, is regarded as one of the most exciting emerging prospects in domestic cricket, capable of changing the course of a match within a few overs. Prashant Veer, meanwhile, brings a rare combination of power-hitting and spin bowling, offering valuable flexibility and depth to the squad. His ability to clear the boundary consistently adds a new dimension to CSK’s middle order.
Alongside their investment in youth, the Super Kings also strengthened their bowling resources by adding international experience. The acquisitions of New Zealand pacer Matt Henry and West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein were aimed at enhancing the team’s versatility across conditions. Together, these moves highlight CSK’s evolving approach, blending youthful energy with proven overseas talent as the franchise prepares for the next phase of its IPL journey.
Chennai Super Kings also made a shrewd and tactical addition at the IPL 2026 auction by picking up Sarfaraz Khan for a modest sum of INR 75 lakh. The Mumbai batter represents excellent value, given his proven ability to dominate bowling attacks in the shorter formats. Sarfaraz’s inclusion adds a fresh dimension to CSK’s batting lineup, as he is capable of playing both anchor and high-impact roles depending on the match situation. His added ability to keep wickets further enhances his utility, providing the team with valuable flexibility in team combinations.
Sarfaraz’s recent performances underline why CSK were keen to bring him into the setup. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he produced a stunning display against Rajasthan on Tuesday, smashing a breathtaking 73 off just 22 deliveries. The knock showcased his power-hitting prowess, quick shot selection, and fearless approach—qualities that align well with CSK’s evolving strategy of investing in versatile and dynamic players. For a franchise looking to balance experience with youth and adaptability, Sarfaraz could prove to be a smart and impactful acquisition heading into the new season.
CSK IPL 2026 Squad
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Aman Khan, Ayush Mhatre, Dewald Brevis, MS Dhoni, Kartik Sharma, Urvil Patel, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Shreyas Gopal, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Mukesh Choudhary, Sanju Samson, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Matthew Short, Sarfaraz Khan, Matt Henry, Rahul Chahar, Zak Foulkes.
