Indian cricketer Hanuma Vihari has speculated that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) traded in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2026 to explore his ‘face value’ and take advantage of his tremendous fan following in the southern parts of India.
Samson's trade to CSK is regarded as one of the most significant deals in IPL history. Just before the mini-auction, CSK pulled off a huge coup by acquiring the captain of the Rajasthan Royals. In return, England pace-bowling all-rounder Sam Curran and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja left CSK.
Teams like the Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders were also vying for Samson's services, but CSK prevailed. Vihari has noted that Samson's playing prowess was not the only important consideration that led CSK to purchase him.
As per Vihari, CSK’s move for Samson was aimed at making him the face of the team.
“Samson enjoys huge fan support in the South. When you think about the IPL, it is not just about cricket, and if you believe otherwise, you are mistaken. That is because IPL owners think beyond cricket and focus on how much commercial value a player can bring to the team," Vihari said in a video on his Instagram.
“Samson is a cricketer with a massive fan following. Wherever games are played, Kerala fans turn up and cheer for him. CSK doesn’t need an opener for the next season. They already have openers.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is also a player who plays as an opener. So, in reality, they did not need Sanju in the team. After returning from injury, he also played at number three for the Rajasthan Royals in the previous season," Vihari added.
Samson has 4704 runs at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04 in 177 games in the IPL, with 3 centuries and 26 fifties. He captained RR to the IPL 2022 finals as well.
Here is the video:
