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Sanju Samson for Dhoni’s legacy, but what about Urvil Patel’s chance to shine in IPL 2026?

Prachi Rajan

Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel (Source: X.com/@CSKFansArmy & @Sportskeeda)Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel (Source: X.com/@CSKFansArmy & @Sportskeeda)

The IPL 2026 trade window deadline is approaching in three days, on 15 November 2025. The high-profile trade of Ravindra Jadeja and Sanju Samson is all but confirmed. According to reports, the Chennai Super Kings are trading two players - Jadeja and Sam Curran for Samson to Rajasthan Royals. 

The Sanju-Jadeja IPL 2026 trade means letting go of one of their most loyal team players. Sources say that MS Dhoni himself prioritised the franchise’s future. As the calm and composed on the field, Samson, shares Dhoni’s leadership temperament. 

While looking at trade reports, one factor is consistently getting overlooked. If the trade is confirmed, what will CSK do about Urvil Patel, a wicket-keeper batter known for his explosive batting? Let's explore this further...

Is CSK overlooking Urvil Patel's potential as Dhoni's batter replacement? 

Urvil Patel's terrific form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-25 included two centuries, including a 28-ball hundred, the fastest T20 ton by an Indian. Despite this, Urvil, overlooked in the auction, priced at 30 lakh, went unsold. 

Nonetheless, midway through IPL 2025, CSK’s Vansh Bedi injury made way for Patel. Leading to MS Dhoni's Super Kings signing Patel for the remained of the season.

Playing only three games in the season had done exactly what he was brought for. Swinging the bat in all directions. He might have amassed only 68 runs in those 3 matches, but coming into bat at No.3, the Gujarat boy finished with a magnificent strike rate of 212.50. 

No doubt, Urvil Patel had shown good promise, coming into the setup mid-season. CSK was hailed for this unexpected move to back the youngsters alongside Ayush Mhatre and Dewald Brevis. 

Hence, with Sanju touted to CSK, for his leadership qualities and strokeplay, the Chennai Super Kings might be overlooking the potential Urvil Patel carries as a wicket-keeper batter. 

India legend Cheeka condemns CSK's Sanju-Jadeja trade

Notably, the above claim is not made in the air. The former World Cup-winner, Kris Srikkanth, opposes CSK's lookout.  

"I am not discounting Samson, who's superb. I've been reading that Sanju Samson will slowly be developed as the successor to Dhoni. But for that, you already have Urvil Patel. He's also a wicketkeeper batter," on his YouTube channel (Cheeky Cheeka). 

“Even Sanju Samson’s record in IPL 2025 is nothing great. It isn’t great that he just got starts in most matches when he’s batting top of the order. How many big scores did he make coming as an opener? Only one, a 60-odd. Anyone can just give starts, even Urvil Patel has been giving starts," he concluded.

Handy trade or a missed opportunity? 

It is understood that this noteworthy trade is multi-dimensional. 

At 44, MS Dhoni's retirement is inevitable. And if he retires after the next season, CSK fears a dip in fan following. Samson, a South Indian star with a huge fan base, could help maintain their regional and national appeal strongly.

Sanju Samson's inclusion would secure the wicket-keeping role and a position in the top order, leaving Urvil Patel to just warm the bench, if retained. 

Having said that, Chennai Super Kings' decision to give on to a rising talent like Patel and keeping commercial aspects above, could jeopardize his chance to shine at the highest level. 

Bonus point: backing a young player like the 27-year-old Patel, CSK could have likely overcome their image of 'Daddy's army', aka a team of oldies.