Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter S. Badrinath believes that Riyan Parag’s influence at Rajasthan Royals (RR) might be the reason behind reports that current captain Sanju Samson could be released ahead of the auction, which will take place later this year.
According to multiple reports, Samson is likely to part ways with RR and could join CSK through the trade window.
“I feel Riyan Parag is the reason. If you consider him for captaincy, how do you expect someone like Samson to stay?” Badrinath said on his YouTube channel.
Badrinath believes Samson could be a strong wicketkeeping option for CSK in MS Dhoni’s absence but might struggle to secure a place in the batting line-up, as he prefers batting in the top order.
“If Sanju Samson does come to CSK, then he could be the like-for-like replacement for MS Dhoni. Samson is a batter who can bat in the top three or four spots in the batting order. He is not someone who could fit into the number five or six spot in the playing XI. CSK are strong in those areas of the playing XI. Mhatre is settled, Gaikwad is settled, Brevis is settled,” added Badrinath.
Samson is the highest run-scorer for the Royals in the history of the IPL. The wicketkeeper-batter has played 149 matches and crossed the 4,000-run mark for the franchise. However, his 2025 season was disrupted by injuries, forcing him to sit out five games while Parag led the side. The 2008 winners struggled throughout the season, ultimately finishing second from the bottom with only four wins from their 14 matches.
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