Trade Talks Dismissed: CSK CEO Denies Sanju Samson Acquisition, Confirms MS Dhoni's IPL 2026 Return

Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan has categorically dismissed rumors of acquiring Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson through a pre-retention trade, responding "No, not likely, not likely" when asked by news agency IANS on November 7 about the persistent speculation that has dominated IPL circles since July 2025. The denial comes just one week before the November 15 retention deadline, while Viswanathan simultaneously confirmed that MS Dhoni will play in IPL 2026—marking the 44-year-old legend's 17th season with CSK and 19th overall in the tournament despite the franchise's disappointing last-place finish in 2025 with just four wins from 14 matches.​

The Samson Trade Saga

Speculation about Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals has persisted throughout 2025, with Cricbuzz reporting in August that RR had approached multiple franchises—including CSK and Delhi Capitals—to gauge interest in trading the wicketkeeper-batter captain.​

Key Timeline:

• July-August 2025: Initial reports emerge of Samson wanting to leave RR

• August 2025: Cricbuzz reveals RR owner Manoj Badale personally approached franchises

• September-October 2025: Speculation intensifies about CSK as destination

• November 7, 2025: CSK CEO Viswanathan denies trade likelihood​

Why CSK Was Interested

CSK's bottom-place finish in IPL 2025 exposed critical weaknesses:

• Wicketkeeping void after MS Dhoni's declining batting (196 runs at 24.50 average, strike rate 135.17)

• Middle-order fragility

• Lack of explosive batting depth

Samson represented the ideal solution:

• Elite Indian wicketkeeper-batter

• Captain experience

• Recent form: 531 runs at 48.27 average in IPL 2025

• T20I success: Three consecutive centuries (October 2024)​

The Potential Trade Players

Multiple reports identified CSK players RR demanded in exchange:

Top Targets (RR's wishlist):

1. Ravindra Jadeja (Rs 18 crore retention) - RR's primary ask; CSK refused

2. Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain) - RR requested; CSK rejected

3. Shivam Dube (all-rounder) - Most realistic option; CSK hesitant​

CSK's refusal to part with core players ultimately derailed negotiations. A November 7 CSK social media video featuring Jadeja performing his trademark sword celebration was interpreted as confirmation he stays with the franchise.​

Delhi Capitals' Failed Attempt

Before re-approaching CSK, RR attempted trading Samson to Delhi Capitals in exchange for Tristan Stubbs. DC rejected the offer, viewing the young South African as untouchable.​

Alternative Targets for CSK

With the Samson trade unlikely, CSK is reportedly exploring:

• Ishan Kishan (expected SRH release)

• KL Rahul (unlikely, DC long-term plans)

• Auction strategy for Indian wicketkeeper-batters​

MS Dhoni: The Confirmation

Viswanathan's November 7 statement to IANS confirmed: "He is likely to play, that is the current status. We have a feeling that he will play in this upcoming IPL."​

This marks Dhoni's second consecutive season confirmation by CSK management, ending persistent retirement speculation.

Dhoni's CSK Career:

• Seasons: 17 (2008-2015, 2018-2026, excluding 2016-2017 suspension)

• Matches: 248

• Runs: 4,865

• Titles: 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)

• Overall IPL: 278 matches, 5,439 runs, 158 catches, 47 stumpings​

The November 15 Deadline

With the IPL 2026 retention deadline one week away, franchises must finalize:

• Player retentions (maximum 6: 5 capped + 1 uncapped)

• Inter-franchise trades (if any)

• Auction purse allocation

CSK's denial of the Samson trade suggests they will retain their existing core—likely including Dhoni, Gaikwad, Jadeja, and potentially Dube—rather than pursue risky mid-season restructuring.​

The December Mini-Auction

IPL 2026's mini-auction (expected mid-December) will reveal whether:

• RR releases Samson into open auction

• CSK bids aggressively if available

• Alternative wicketkeeper-batters emerge as targets