Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare for their first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Rajasthan Royals (RR). However, Sanju Samson was brought by CSK in a trade deal with RR just ahead of the IPL auction. And, ahead of the match, CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan gave a big update on Dhoni’s unavailability for the match, confirming Samson will be the keeper.

“See, obviously, Sanju will be keeping because his MS Dhoni is not going to play. Sanju’s form is great and he’s been knocking well in the nets also. So we’re hoping that he’ll give the impact that CSK is looking for during the current season. Of course, we have Ruturaj, who is also capable of taking the team to higher levels, and his captaincy is one which definitely will lift the team,” Vishwanathan said.

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He also gave an update about the future, expressing confidence that Samson is going to be a great bet for the franchise in the future.

“As far as Sanju is concerned, we don’t want to put any pressure on him because we know his capabilities. I have not spent much time talking to Sanju, as I met him only a couple of days back, and during practice, I would never go and disturb him. I’m very confident that Sanju, with his abilities and his form, will be a great bet for us,” he concluded.