“Even Urvil Patel can perform like Sanju Samson”- CSK, MS Dhoni get belted for trade

Former Indian selector has opined that Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals skipper, is undoubtedly going to shape CSK's future, but if they let go of Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran all-rounder, then they would not have anyone playing the dual role on their side.

Amid the deal being finalized between the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals over the swap of Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja, several hindrances have stood in the way of the two franchises. The most recent being the lack of an overseas slot for CSK Sam Curran in the RR squad.

A former Indian batter has now made some controversial statements, claiming that Sanju Samson might just not be the right choice to leave a player of Ravindra Jadeja's calibre, who is very crucial from their point of view.

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Urvil Patel can play the role of Sanju Samson in CSK - Opines former BCCI selector

Sanju Samson to CSK and Ravindra Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals have been the talk of the town ahead of the IPL retentions. If the swap finally takes place, CSK will lose their premier all-rounder.

Former Indian selector Kris Srikkanth has claimed that though he doesn't doubt or belittle Samson's calibre but it is important to have all-rounders in any T20I team.

He further had the opinion that the role for which Sanju Samson is being brought into CSK, they already have Urvil Patel, the wicket-keeper batter, for the same role, but they lack a player of Jadeja's all-round potential.

“Without Jadeja, who’s your all-rounder in CSK? Having an all-rounder is very important; it’s the key role in the T20 format. 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’ve already got Urvil Patel. He’s also a wicketkeeper batter,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

“By leaving Jadeja, CSK will have to scout for another all-rounder," says Kris Srikkanth

Letting go of Ravindra Jadeja would mean CSK would not have any all-rounders and would also be without one of their most veteran bowlers at the iconic venue of Cheapauk.

He further said that even if CSK gathers a purse to bring in Cameron Green, he is not known as a gun bowler; he is just a batter who can fill in the four overs.

“By leaving Jadeja, CSK will have to scout for another all-rounder. Someone like Cameron Green is not a tried and tested material. He’s not a great all-rounder. He’s a batter who can bowl and fill in the four overs and he’s not a deadly bowler. Jadeja can win matches with his batting, bowling or fielding,” he added.

“Even Sanju Samson's record in IPL 2025 is nothing great." Srikkanth feels giving away Jadeja for Samson is mindless

Answering some criticisms of Jadeja's batting form over many seasons, he clearly stated that the all-rounder doesn't get many opportunities as a batsman, but whenever he has been promoted up the order, he has come in handy with the bat.

“Jadeja has also not got great opportunities with the bat the last two years. He would come in with two balls left. Even the crowd used to wait for him to get out so that Dhoni could come in, which was sad."

"Yes, his strike rate wasn’t deadly in the 2025 season. But one has to see where he has batted and the situation of the game then. He doesn’t come at the top of the order. He comes at 6 or 7 predominantly, so there’s only 10-12 balls to play at that time,” said Srikkanth

He further took a slight dig at Samson, also posing a doubt over his form, then immediately corrected himself, saying he doesn't intend to belittle Samson; it is just his comparison with Jadeja.

“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. I am not belittling Sanju Samson. This is only Samson in comparison to Jadeja. Samson is a brilliant cricketer,” Srikkanth concluded.

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