Samson Reflects on His Dream to Learn from Dhoni
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson recently shared how deeply he has admired MS Dhoni since his early days in the Indian Premier League. Amid swirling reports of a possible move to Chennai Super Kings for IPL 2026, Samson said he always “wanted to be around Dhoni … to sit with Mahi bhai, talk to him, understand how he does things.”
He recalled that every time his team played CSK, he looked forward to meeting Dhoni—not just as an opponent, but as a mentor figure. In a video posted by Star Sports, Samson reflected on how young Indian cricketers look up to Dhoni’s calm leadership and experience.
Trade Rumours Heat Up Between RR and CSK
The comments come amid growing IPL 2026 trade chatter. Reports have suggested that Samson could be heading to Chennai in a deal involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, with Royals and Super Kings in advanced talks.
If the trade goes through, some analysts believe it could signal the beginning of a succession plan at CSK. As per reports, Dhoni may scale back his on-field responsibilities, possibly giving Samson a pathway into leadership or a long-term role in the franchise.
Dhoni’s Role Under the Spotlight
There has been debate about how Dhoni’s role might evolve if Samson joins. Some suggest that Dhoni could transition to a mentor or “impact player” role, rather than continuing as the regular wicket-keeper.
However, former CSK cricketer Subramaniam Badrinath pushed back on earlier reports, saying that Dhoni “definitely won’t play as an impact player” and that he would still take the field as the wicket-keeper when he plays.
Reactions and Bigger Picture
Cricket pundits are closely watching this potential move. Former India star Mohammad Kaif suggested that Dhoni himself might be behind the push for Samson, even proposing that CSK could be willing to trade Jadeja for the younger keeper-batter.
Former India opener Kris Srikkanth also weighed in, acknowledging Samson’s talent while expressing concern that trading Jadeja could leave CSK light on all-rounders.
If the deal materializes, it could mark a major shift in CSK’s future — blending Dhoni’s veteran influence with Samson’s emerging leadership. For Samson, getting closer to Dhoni is not just about a trade: it’s a chance to be mentored by one of the game’s greats.
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