“CSK is benefiting in two ways” - Cheteshwar Pujara reveals how CSK will benefit from Sanju Samson’s trade

Cheteshwar Pujara analyzes the Sanju Samson to CSK trade, revealing two key benefits: securing a long-term post-Dhoni keeper-captain and adding top-order batting flexibility. Samson was traded for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.

By Jack 15 Nov 2025 in Cricket

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Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has revealed how the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise would benefit after trading the Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Sanju Samson to their franchise ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports, Pujara asserted that CSK would enhance their top-order with Samson’s presence in the line-up. Moreover, he added that Samson would be MS Dhoni’s replacement keeper-batter in a long-term perspective.

"With this trade, CSK is benefiting in two ways. One, their top order, that didn't perform that well in the last IPL. If Sanju comes in the top order, they get stability there," Pujara told Star Sports.

"Secondly, they are thinking about the future. We don't know when Mahi bhai (Dhoni) will leave, but the long-term wicketkeeper-batter they need after Mahi bhai, they are seeing that in Sanju Samson," Pujara added.

Furthermore, the former No.3 Indian batter went on to state that Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue to lead the franchise in the IPL 2026 season, adding that the Maharashtra batter is an excellent batter and a good captain.

"I feel he will remain the captain because of the way he has led. The team's performance might not have been that good, but his captaincy wasn't bad. When you are leading a big team, especially when Mahi bhai, Ravindra Jadeja, and many senior players are in the team, it's not easy to captain, taking all those players along," he observed.

"The way Ruturaj has performed as a player and even as a captain, I don't think he should miss out. Sanju, yes, is another candidate. He is definitely an option for CSK if he comes there. However, if you have shown faith in a player, show faith for one more season in the same captain because Ruturaj is an excellent player and a good captain," the former No.3 batter concluded.

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