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"MS Dhoni wants to sacrifice Jadeja": Kaif predicts Sanju Samson as chosen CSK successor

Akshita Patel

CSK-RR trade swap heating up [Source: @IMManu_18/X.com]CSK-RR trade swap heating up [Source: @IMManu_18/X.com]

The IPL trade market has erupted with one of the biggest potential swaps in tournament history. Sanju Samson is possibly moving to the Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. 

And now, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that this blockbuster move might just be MS Dhoni’s final big decision as a leader before he bids goodbye to the IPL. 

Kaif deems MS Dhoni as mastermind behind Samson-Jadeja swap

Speaking on his YouTube channel, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said MS Dhoni has likely played a central role in the trade discussions between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). 

“The two players started playing IPL in 2008. Ever since he went to CSK, he hasn’t left it. If the trade is successful, this is Dhoni’s last year. There is also a chance that Dhoni might leave in the middle," Kaif said.

Kaif believes Dhoni’s decision to back Samson is strategic and emotional, a move to ensure that the leadership torch is passed to someone capable and composed.

"If Sanju comes and starts to play, he gets comfortable with the management and Dhoni. In that case, Dhoni might ask Sanju to take over. We left Jadeja, our match-winner over the years, but we need a future captain," he added.

He also hinted that MS Dhoni himself might step aside mid-season once Sanju Samson gets comfortable with the CSK management. 

“They previously made Jadeja the captain. He couldn’t manage things. He didn’t like the leadership. In the middle, he said that he can’t do it. Not all players can do captaincy in the IPL. In the long-term plan, Dhoni wants to sacrifice Jadeja to bring in a player who can take over leadership after the Dhoni era."

Ravindra Jadeja previously stepped down as CSK captain

Back in IPL 2022, Ravindra Jadeja gave up the Chennai Super Kings captaincy midway through the tournament after a difficult start to his leadership stint. 

Appointed as CSK’s new skipper before the season, Jadeja struggled to handle both captaincy and his own form, with the team managing only two wins in their first eight matches. 

On April 30, 2022, the franchise announced that MS Dhoni would take over as captain for the rest of the season. 

Reports later revealed that Jadeja wanted to focus on his game. Eventually, MS Dhoni handed over the leadership reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad in IPL 2024.