The big question doing the rounds in IPL circles right now is simple — will he or won’t he? Reports suggest that Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson could be on his way to Chennai Super Kings in what would be one of the most sensational trades of the upcoming IPL season. According to sources, CSK and RR are in advanced talks over a deal that may involve Ravindra Jadeja moving to the Royals.

However, the blockbuster trade has hit a few roadblocks. One of the major complications is the potential involvement of a third player — an overseas cricketer, most likely Sam Curran. Rajasthan Royals already have a full quota of overseas players, meaning they’ll have to release one to make room.

Additionally, their remaining purse is reportedly just ₹30 lakh, while Curran’s price tag stands at a hefty ₹2.4 crore, which CSK signed for him during the previous auction. If CSK successfully acquire Samson, it will raise significant questions about MS Dhoni’s role in the upcoming season.

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Both Dhoni and Samson are wicketkeeper-batters, and with Dhoni’s on-field involvement reducing over the last few seasons, speculation has intensified over whether he’ll feature as a full-time player or take on a mentoring role. Former CSK batter Subramaniam Badrinath, however, believes Dhoni will continue to play — and that too as a wicketkeeper.

“MS Dhoni definitely won’t play as an impact player,” Subramaniam Badrinath told Star Sports. “If he’s fit, he’ll be behind the stumps. The main reason Dhoni still plays is his influence at Chepauk. As an impact sub, he might not even get to bat, which doesn’t suit him. Knowing Dhoni and CSK, that’s unlikely.”

Subramaniam Badrinath further suggested that while Dhoni may not play the entire season, his presence on the field remains non-negotiable. “He might not captain, but he’ll be there as a keeper. Dhoni will never just sit out and let someone else, even Samson, take the gloves,” he added.

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He concluded by emphasising Dhoni’s continued importance to CSK’s setup. “Even though Ruturaj Gaikwad leads the side, Dhoni still controls the game’s flow. You can see it in those small interactions with bowlers — that’s his value. Either Dhoni plays fully or calls it quits; there’s no in-between.”