'Sanju Samson is right after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli' - Ex-KKR star makes bold claim

Chennai Super Kings are probably one of the best franchises in world cricket, and they are the recipients of immense love and craze from their fans, who come in bunches to support their side. Sanju Samson's arrival in CSK just at the brink of MS Dhoni's probable retirement has elevated him to the status of an immediate successor of the legendary Indian wicketkeeper.

The CSK CEO and the management team have been voicing the fact that they have not considered moving on from Ruturaj Gaikwad as the captain of the franchise. The CSK franchise has always backed its players in every role. However, Samson has already been given the second-tier role after MS Dhoni by the fans in yellow.

Sanju Samson is currently one of India's most highly rated cricketers, who relishes a huge fanbase. This was further heightened following a stellar hand from Samson in India's historic consecutive T20 World Cup victories. Samson was the player of the match of the 2026 T20 WC, after having made his ICC debut in the same World Cup.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"Sanju is right after Rohit and Virat": Manoj Tiwary's massive statement on CSK cricketer

Speaking of Sanju Samson's importance and his immense contributions to Indian as well as franchise cricket, former Indian batter Manoj Tiwary claimed that he is the third most reputed Indian cricketer, after the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

"He is one such player who has the third-highest fanbase among all the star players currently playing for India. Sanju Samson is right after Rohit and Virat, speaking of fan following. It's incredible to see such a fan following even when he is not performing, as we have seen for Samson," said Manoj Tiwary on Cricbuzz.

Tiwary also flexed the plus points for CSK to have a player like Sanju Samson under these circumstances. He suggested various ways in which the former Royals batter could benefit the Men in Yellow.

"However, it is great for Samson that he got the opportunity to play for a franchise like the Chennai Super Kings. Firstly, he would be used as an opener, as it has been a concern for the Super Kings over the past two seasons, and secondly, he would also be a wicket-keeping option to replace Dhoni when the old veteran struggles at times with his knee," he added.

Also Read: MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis fitness update: Batters resume training ahead of CSK vs PBKS clash

"Sanju is CSK's future brand after MS Dhoni's retirement" - Manoj Tiwary

Sanju has been proclaimed as the next-generation brand for CSK, who will carry along the legacy from the Indian legend MS Dhoni. Dhoni, who turns 45 after the end of this IPL season, is likely making his final appearance in this season.

The Super Kings, who have one of the biggest fan bases, have often been said to be widely loved due to their former skipper, MS Dhoni. The franchise would hence need someone whom the audience loves to see in the Yellow, and Samson is just that cricketer.

"Chennai always needs a brand-value player on the team. So, after MS Dhoni is no longer playing for them, they would need a brand player who would attract the crowd and keep them involved in the game. And Sanju, I think, is one such player; he is a good soul, and the way he keeps himself simple, he could gel well with the audience," claimed Tiwary.

Manoj Tiwary suggests a 'Book' featuring Sanju Samson's success story

The former teammate of MS Dhoni highlighted Sanju Samson's struggles as a cricketer and his inspiring journey despite being ignored, snubbed, restricted, dropped, and benched on several occasions by the Indian team. He also claimed that a book could be written on his inspiring journey.

"Every player often undergoes such phases in their life as well as career. Last time, what we had observed in the Royals camp was that Sanju was left out during a discussion ahead of a Super-over. At that moment, the assumption was made regarding his move on from the franchise," pointed out Tiwary.

"After that, the World Cup he has had, the story should be documented in a book, especially to reflect his strong mindset in those unfortunate times. He was wronged, and despite that, he bounced back and played those three splendid innings in the knockout games of the World Cup.

"MS Dhoni's absence would be felt somewhat less with Sanju Samson being portrayed as the next generation brand of the franchise," Manoj Tiwary concluded boldly.

ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane alleges ‘agenda’ against him, says people are jealous amid IPL 2026