Sanju Samson vs MS Dhoni? Anil Kumble reveals CSK vice-captain for IPL 2026

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is ready to start a bold new journey in the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) after playing a key role in the team’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph at home. Sanju Samson joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a trade deal with Rajasthan Royals (RR).

The CSK has sent Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals to bring Samson on board before the last auction. The Kerala star was the face of the RR for years. He led them, built the team, and carried huge responsibility.

Now, he walks into a new dressing room where Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain and MS Dhoni still rules like no one else at the setup. And this is where the real drama begins.

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MS Dhoni vs Sanju Samson for wicketkeeping role

Sanju Samson is a wicketkeeper-batter, but Dhoni is still available for the entire season. So, there is a big question: Who will keep wickets for CSK? Chennai offers Samson a massive fan base, a strong system, and a winning culture.

Read Also: Ex-CSK star reveals ‘ongoing conflict’ between KL Rahul and Hemang Badani at Delhi Capitals

Playing at Chepauk will test Samson’s skills, but it will also give him a chance to shine on the biggest stage and take things to the next level. However, the Indian wicketkeeper’s role remains unclear.

Meanwhile, legendary Indian spinner Anil Kumble said that Indian cricket keeps moving from one big star to another. Kumble feels CSK made a smart move by picking Samson while highlighting strong performances during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumphant campaign.

Anil Kumble calls Sanju Samson perfect fit for Chennai Super Kings

Anil Kumble said on Star Sports, as quoted by Hindustan Times: “Icons from one generation to another, the baton has passed on in Indian cricket, from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin, then to Virat, with MS Dhoni also part of that era. You had the likes of Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly before the shift to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who still carry that aura and continue to perform.

In that sense, Sanju coming in is a great move for CSK. The icing on the cake is his fantastic form leading into the IPL and winning the World Cup for India with three back-to-back knocks.”

Meanwhile, Samson was born in Kerala and speaks Tamil, which makes it easier for CSK fans to connect with him. Kumble said, “I’m sure that will certainly contribute to the franchise’s fan following. From a Chennai perspective, he fits their need, being Kerala-born and speaking Tamil, so there’s a connect; he's a wicketkeeper-batter, so in a similar mold to MS; and his experience will be valuable for CSK.”

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Anil Kumble calls Sanju Samson deal a smart move by CSK

He believes that Sanju Samson is perfect for a support role, like a vice-captain in the Chennai Super Kings. Kumble noted that he has already captained the Rajasthan Royals for many years, so he knows how to lead, and CSK needs someone like him because they had captaincy problems before when Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured and MS Dhoni had to step in again.

Now, Ruturaj will stay the captain, but Sanju will support him. He can also take over if needed. Kumble also feels Sanju might even get chances to do wicketkeeping during the season.

He signed off by saying, “I wouldn’t be surprised if MS Dhoni gave Sanju the keeping role at some point during the season. He will be part of the leadership group, and in case Ruturaj is unavailable due to injury or otherwise, Sanju would probably take over rather than MS.”