MS Dhoni, Rituraj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson are in Chennai these days. This has begun discussions on the business and release of the players for IPL 2026. Crickbz wrote: 'Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin may be separated from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The website made this claim after a meeting between a senior franchise officer and MS Dhoni and Rituraj Gaikwad.
The day earlier, a report said that captain Sanju Samson requested the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to trade or release it before the mini auction. However, both franchises have not officially said anything.
Sanju played 155 matches for Rajasthan Sanju joined Rajasthan after being released from Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015 and has since become the face of this franchise. He was not just played during the team's suspension in 2016 and 2017. He has played 149 matches for Rajasthan and scored 4027 runs. He is also the highest -run and the most successful captain for Rajasthan.
CSK, KKR and DC are interested in buying Samson CSK, KKR and DC are interested in adding Sanju to their team. According to the Indian Express, five -time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings want to include Samson in their team. Samson also met CSK Management and his head coach Stephen Fleming in the United States from the end of 2025. It is believed that Chennai is ready to bring a 30 -year -old player to be infected with trade. There is a hindrance, as Rajasthan is choosing to replace two players from Chennai.
In addition to Chennai Super Kings, three -time IPL champion Kolkata Knight Riders are also interested in adding Samson to their team. While Samson looks eager to go to Chennai for many reasons. Samson was previously associated with KKR. He was part of the team led by Gautam Gambhir to win the IPL title in 2012. He did not get a chance to play a match for Shah Rukh Khan's team.
Sanju Samson with Dhoni in IPL.
In addition to CSK and KKR, Delhi Capitals can also impose Sanju Samson. The Delhi team has not won a single IPL title till date. KL Rahul plays as a wicketkeeper in the team. However, Rahul can be included in the Delhi team as a batter and Sanju as a wicketkeeper batter. Delhi has an inexperienced captain in the form of Akshar Patel, so Sanju can also prove to be appropriate for that position.
CSK bought Ashwin for 9.75 crores Ashwin, who played 221 matches in the IPL, has 187 wickets (Economy Rate 7.29) and 833 runs (strike rate 118). In such a case, it will be demanded in the other team as well. Now it is to be seen whether it is sold in a franchise or goes to auction. Last season, he played 9 matches for CSK.
Ashwin was purchased by CSK for Rs 9.75 crore, 9 years later he returned to his home franchise. He played for Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals from 2016 to 2024. He started his IPL career from CSK and was with the team from 2008 to 2015.
The news has come at a time when there were already reports that Sanju Samson wanted to release himself from the Rajasthan Royals.
Ashwin started his IPL career with CSK.
Image Credit: Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).