3 min learnMar 17, 2026 08:05 PM IST
Former India bowler Anil Kumble opened up about Sanju Samson‘s transfer to the Chennai Tremendous Kings from Rajasthan Royals forward of the upcoming Indian Premier League season, scheduled to start out on March 28. The 5-time champions CSK might be going through Sanju’s former franchise RR of their opening match on March 30 in Guwahati.
“Icons from one era to a different, the baton has handed on in Indian cricket, from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin, then to Virat, with MS Dhoni additionally a part of that period. You had the likes of Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly earlier than the shift to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who nonetheless carry that aura and proceed to carry out. In that sense, Sanju coming in is a superb transfer for CSK. The icing on the cake is his incredible type main into the IPL and profitable the World Cup for India with three back-to-back knocks,” Kumble mentioned on CSK’s resolution high herald Samson.
Kumble additionally believed the CSK followers will join with Samson. “I’m positive that may actually contribute to the franchise’s fan following. From a Chennai perspective, he matches their want, being Kerala-born, speaks Tamil, so there’s a join, a wicketkeeper-batter, so in an analogous mould to MS, and his expertise might be useful for CSK,” he mentioned.
Kumble additionally felt that Sanju’s expertise as a pacesetter will come in useful as he assists captain Ruturaj Gaikwad throughout the season, including that Samson may even step into the skipper’s position if Gaikwad is unavailable resulting from damage.
On Samson’s position as unofficial vice-captain, Kumble mentioned, “I believe that’s the proper position for Sanju, dealing with these tasks nearly like a vice-captain. He has captained Rajasthan for an extended time period, in order that management position comes naturally to him, and that’s one thing CSK might be searching for.”
“Final 12 months, when Ruturaj was injured, MS needed to take over, and beforehand, when Ravindra Jadeja was additionally captain, MS Dhoni got here again in as captain halfway by means of the season. So there have been some challenges in figuring out who the following captain can be for MS. Ruturaj was recognized, and it’s good that he continues as captain regardless of Sanju coming into the scheme of issues. I wouldn’t be shocked if MS Dhoni provides Sanju the retaining position sooner or later throughout the season. He might be a part of the management group, and in case if Ruturaj is unavailable resulting from damage or in any other case, Sanju would most likely take over fairly than MS,” Kumble mentioned.