IPL 2026: ‘CSK may release Ravichandran Ashwin for Sanju Samson’ – Aakash Chopra

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra admitted that if Rajasthan Royals decide to release top-order wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, then Chennai Super Kings could also be a strong contender to sign him. He suggested that in such a situation, Chennai could consider trading Ravichandran Ashwin to Rajasthan, as the off-spinner has previously played for Rajasthan.

Samson has reportedly requested to be released from RR ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. A CSK official has already expressed interest in buying the wicketkeeper-batsman. Chopra also pointed out that while Kolkata Knight Riders are the most keen to sign Samson, CSK could be the second most interested franchise.

Chennai will have to look beyond MS Dhoni now: Chopra

“The other team that is coming to my mind is CSK. Chennai will be keen. Chennai will have to look beyond MS Dhoni now. I am not saying whether Dhoni will play this year or not. They have brought in Urvil Patel, but Urvil Patel will not be the brand of CSK. If someone comes in place of MS Dhoni, it will be a big name,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

He further said, “They might release Ashwin. Rajasthan needs a spinner. Ashwin has played there before. I had suggested Jaddu’s (Ravindra Jadeja) name once before, but I don’t think they will release him.”

Chopra said that CSK would be interested in either Samson or Rishabh Pant as a long-term replacement for MS Dhoni. He further added that the chances of Lucknow Super Giants releasing Pant are slim. Chopra also suggested that Mumbai Indians could be the third franchise interested in Samson.

Mumbai Indians may also be eyeing Sanju

He further said, “The third team I am thinking of is a little different. That is Mumbai Indians. They have Ryan Rickelton, who is a left-handed opener, but he is a foreigner. Eventually you get stuck. When he left, you had to bring Jonny Bairstow, and they cannot keep Jonny Bairstow. He has come after a break, so he has to be released.

“He is not available for them. Rohit Sharma opens with Ryan Rickelton. The team is good, but if you want to make it stronger, you would want to take Sanju. If you suddenly include Sanju in the team, you can change the dynamics a little more.”