![Sanju Samson For RR in IPL 2025 [Source: AFP Media]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1754892655841_sanju_samson.jpg?type=mq)
Sanju Samson For RR in IPL 2025 [Source: AFP Media]
The hottest topic of the IPL trade window has been the potential move of Sanju Samson ahead of the 2026 season. Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders are courting for the RR skipper, which has created a fascinating three-way battle.
An analysis of the IPL 2025 performances of CSK and KKR reveals the strategic needs, which lets us examine which team suits Sanju Samson better.
Trade Situation Update
A lot of speculation is going around this particular trade move. While some reports claim the RR have demanded two players to let go of Sanju Samson, some suggest that the franchise is not ready to trade him out at all.
Also, there are rumours that CSK have offered Shivam Dube and Ravichandran Ashwin to acquire the services of Samson for IPL 2026. On the other hand, there has not been much talk about the offer by the three-time IPL champions, KKR.
IPL 2025: Tale of Two Disappointments
CSK's Historic Low
The Chennai Super Kings were at their lowest during the IPL 2025, finishing at the bottom of the table for the first time in their history. The five-time champions managed to win only four out of the 14 games.
One of the key reasons behind CSK's dreadful performance was their batting. The top-order completely misfired, their batting approach looked outdated, and hence they often struggled to keep up with the standards of the competition.
KKR's Title Defence Disaster
The Kolkata Knight Riders walked into the IPL 2025 as the defending champions. In 2024, they looked like a clinical team and were a notch above the others. However, in their title defence run, they disappointed the fans utterly.
They too had an issue with the top-order with Quinton de Kock, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz specifically failing to deliver per expectations.
Why Samson Should Move To CSK
Perfect Strategic Fit
The Chennai Super Kings are in desperate need of MS Dhoni's successor. While Ruturaj Gaikwad has been their designated captain for the last two seasons, the franchise might be looking for a more experienced option for the role. Samson fits this role perfectly with his proven credentials as a leader, having taken RR to the IPL 2022 final.
The arrival of the Kerala-born wicketkeeping batter will give the franchise an immediate upgrade in the leadership department. Besides, it will also allow Ruturaj Gaikwad to play his natural game free of any kind of burdens.
Legacy To Build On
Well, both CSK and KKR are Blue-chip franchises of the IPL. Having played for DC and RR in his IPL career, Samson has yet to win the IPL title. Now, the player might be ambitious to achieve this particular feat.
While KKR have three titles under their belt, CSK has been far more consistent. Five titles and 10 finals in 16 years show a level of consistency that could illuminate the career of a talented individual like Samson.
Immediate Impact Opportunity
Ayush Mhatre revolutionised CSK's batting in the last edition of the tournament. He will surely be retained by the franchise for the upcoming edition. Also, in the previous season, the skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad made it clear that he would prefer to bat at number three. This leaves a spot in the opening slot.
One of the prime reasons behind Sanju Samson's request to RR for trading him was the fact that with the rise of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, his opening spot looks in danger. So, in CSK, he might get the chance of displaying his flamboyance as an aggressive opener and bring an immediate impact on the team's batting performance.
Conclusion
The Chennai Super Kings appear to be the better option for Sanju Samson. The franchise is looking for a transition, and that being centred around him will not only benefit the team, but also build a better CV for him at a crucial stage of his career.
