Mohammed Kaif has thrown a serious spark into the IPL 2026 rumour mill, suggesting that MS Dhoni might be willing to sacrifice Ravindra Jadeja if that’s what it takes for Chennai Super Kings to land Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals. According to the chatter, CSK could be eyeing a bold swap involving Jadeja and Sam Curran to bring Samson to Chepauk, setting up what might become the biggest trade story ahead of the retention window.
With CSK slowly preparing for life beyond Dhoni, Samson suddenly looks like the ideal long-term investment. A proven leader, an established wicketkeeper-batter and someone who can slip naturally into the Chennai setup, Samson ticks many boxes. Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, said Dhoni’s singular focus remains the same: making CSK champions again. After the franchise finished 10th last season, the former India captain is reportedly more motivated than ever.
“For Dhoni, the only thing that matters is winning,” Mohammad Kaif said, explaining that the veteran’s pride and competitive spirit won’t allow back-to-back poor seasons. “A team doesn’t win trophies because of one player. If Dhoni feels the combination needs a shake-up, he won’t hesitate.”
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Mohammad Kaif didn’t mince words about Dhoni’s ruthlessness. Despite Jadeja playing a massive role in Chennai’s success since 2012, Kaif believes Dhoni will take the tough call if required. “People think Dhoni operates on friendships, but winning is always his priority. If Jadeja has to be sacrificed for the team’s good, Dhoni will do it. He will choose the option that strengthens CSK.”
The former India batter even hinted that conversations may already be happening behind the scenes. In modern IPL planning, phone calls between players and franchises aren’t unusual, especially when leadership futures are on the table.
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Mohammad Kaif believes Samson must have spoken to Dhoni himself. “Sanju might have called and asked, ‘Bhai, kya lagta hai?’ If CSK want Sanju this strongly, it also signals something big: this could be Dhoni’s final season and Samson may be their future captain.” Kaif also argued that Samson’s batting is better suited to Chepauk than many other top Indian hitters. “With his style of strokeplay, Samson can dominate at No. 3 or 4 and clear the ropes in the middle overs.”
Jadeja, of course, is no small name to move. The all-rounder has delivered three IPL titles for CSK and famously hit the winning runs in the 2023 final in Ahmedabad. If this trade happens, it’ll shake the league to its core.
