Former India opener Aakash Chopra feels Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could sign Sanju Samson if Rajasthan Royals (RR) decide to let go of their captain. Chopra said Chennai might explore a swap deal involving Ravichandran Ashwin, considering the off-spinner has played for RR before.
Chopra placed CSK just behind Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the race for the wicketkeeper-batter. In his view, the Chennai side will soon have to prepare for the post-MS Dhoni era and Samson fits the profile of a player who can take over that responsibility.
Reports have confirmed that Samson has asked RR to either trade him or release him ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Sanju Samson is also believed to have met the Chennai management and head coach Stephen Fleming earlier this year in the United States to discuss the possibility of a move.
Aakash Chopra Suggests Ravichandran Ashwin’s Trade to RR in Sanju Samson-CSK Deal
While talking about how CSK could realistically bring Samson in, Chopra floated the idea of including an established name like Ravichandran Ashwin in the trade. He noted that Rajasthan could value an experienced spinner in return, especially someone familiar with their setup.
"The second team that comes to my mind is CSK. Chennai will be keen. Chennai have to now look beyond MS Dhoni. I am not saying whether Dhoni will play this year or not. They have brought Urvil Patel, but Urvil Patel is not going to be that CSK's brand. If someone comes in place of MS Dhoni, it has to be a big name," Chopra said as quoted on his YouTube Channel.
"They can release Ashwin. It could be Ashwin plus some money because Rajasthan need a spinner. Ashwin has played there earlier too. I had floated Jaddu's (Ravindra Jadeja) name earlier once, but I don't think they are going to release him," he added.
In his discussion, Chopra did not limit the possibilities to just KKR and CSK. He also brought up Mumbai Indians (MI) as an outside choice. He explained how Samson could solve some of their squad issues.
"The third team I am thinking of is slightly outside the box. That is the Mumbai Indians. They have Ryan Rickelton, a left-handed opening batter, but he is overseas. Ultimately, you get stuck. When he left, you had to bring in Jonny Bairstow, and they can't stop Jonny Bairstow. He came after the break, so he will have to be released. He is not available for them to keep. Rohit Sharma opens with Ryan Rickelton. The team is good, but if you want to make it stronger, you will want to take Sanju. If you get Sanju, suddenly, you can change the dynamics a bit more," Chopra opined.
Ravichandran Ashwin’s Future With CSK in Doubt
The discussion around a possible Samson-Ashwin trade has also been fuelled by reports that the off-spinner himself may be on the move. According to Cricbuzz, Ashwin has requested a release from CSK ahead of the next season.
Ashwin returned to CSK in the IPL 2025 mega auction for INR 9.75 crore, ending a decade-long gap since his previous stint. However, he struggled to make a big impact and finished the season with seven wickets in nine innings and an economy rate of 9.13
Also read: Sanju Samson to CSK for IPL 2026? Rajasthan Royals Want Two Players in Return - Report
