Head coach Stephen Fleming clarified how the five-time champions’ choice to add Sanju Samson to the team in exchange for Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja was influenced by MS Dhoni’s prospects as a CSK cricket player.
According to Fleming, CSK brought Samson into the setup because they wanted to prepare for life after Dhoni’s retirement. The 31-year-old cricket player from Kerala might play for the team for at least another cycle provided he can keep up his form and health.
MS Dhoni’, on the other hand, is currently 44 years old and in the latter stages of his career.
“There was a chance for us. In our opening batting, we thought we were still a touch light. Additionally, we considered the possibility that MS will eventually move on,” Fleming stated during the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi.
Sanju is a player of international calibre who does a great job in that capacity. Thus, succession planning is important, but so is rejuvenating the team and considering Chennai’s future in six years rather than simply two,” the former captain of New Zealand said.
CSK has a long history of acquiring seasoned players who have seen it all. They changed their strategy, though, as they made significant investments in young people with a view on the potential in the IPL 2026 auction.
Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer were signed by the Men in Yellow for INR 14.2 crore and INR 14.2 crore, respectively. Kartik is a powerful wicketkeeper-batter, but Veer can bowl spin and is notorious for belting sixes whenever he wants. Akeal Hosein and Matt Henry have also been selected by the Super Kings to strengthen their bowling unit.
Sarfaraz Khan was another strategic choice made by CSK for a mere INR 75 lakh. The Mumbai batsman will provide the team a fresh perspective and is capable of keeping wickets. In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he hit a stunning 73 off just 22 balls on Tuesday against Rajasthan.
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