"I don't think Sanju Samson will get captaincy" - R Ashwin's huge remark on CSK trade ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Ravichandran Ashwin made a huge remark on Sanju Samson's Chennai Super Kings (CSK) trade ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. Should Samson move to CSK, the spin legend reckoned that he would not be made captain right away.

Notably, CSK and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in talks for a trade involving Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja, and Sam Curran, according to an ESPN Cricinfo report.

While Samson captained the Royals, Ashwin stated that he could be given the captaincy in future should the deal go through.

"I dont think Sanju will get captaincy at CSK because it would be his first year and I am not sure they will give him captaincy right away. But he will definitely be an option to lead in the future if the trade happens," he said on 'Ash ki Baat'.

Ashwin explained how the Chennai-based franchise could benefit by trading Sanju Samson in. With Ayush Mhatre and Samson opening the batting, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad could bat at three, which would give them balance. However, he raised concerns as to who would be their finger spinner to replace Jadeja and also their finisher in the batting order.

"CSK also benefit by plugging that gap in the top order. Ayush and Sanju can open, Ruturaj can come at three, which is what he has been wanting to do. That gives them balance. But the loss would be that from where will they bring another spinner? Who is going to be that spinner who they will bank upon to bowl the middle overs? Who is that gun marquee fielder for them? Finishing is the issue," he added.

Jadeja played the role of an experienced all-rounder for the Super Kings. He bowled the crucial middle overs and also batted at the backend of the innings.

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Leaving Jadeja out for Sanju Samson a big decision for CSK, reckons Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin also reflected that letting go of Ravindra Jadeja for Sanju Samson would be a big decision for CSK. He believed that Jadeja has been a key player for the franchise. However, he also reckoned that it would be a good opportunity for Jadeja to move to Rajasthan.

"One thing in the fans' minds will be Jadeja's affinity for CSK. Jadeja is no small player for CSK. There is some emotion attached to Jadeja and CSK. And trading is not something they have done in the past. This could also be a good opportunity for Jadeja. RR is a team built on a lot of youngsters and a lot of connections. It is a big decision for CSK to leave Jadeja out," he said.

Rajasthan struggled with their finishing in the previous season. With Jadeja coming in, the likes of Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Shimron Hetmyer could play with a lot more freedom. Jadeja could play the role of a finisher and add to their batting strength.