A revelation that sent shock waves Indian Premier League (IPL) community, veteran Indian leaning Hanuman Vihari pulled back the curtain on one of the most significant trades in league history. Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Sanju Samson‘s high-profile move Rajasthan Royals (RR) for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) completed in exchange for legendary Ravindra Jadeja and England thoroughly Sam Curran.
Hanuma Vihari reveals the real reason behind Sanju Samson’s trade with CSK
Vihari suggests that Chennai’s decision to acquire Samson was a calculated move to ensure a massive, loyal fan base, rather than a desperate hunt for a new opening act. Speaking through a video on his Instagram account, Vihari pointed out that in the high-priced world of the IPL, a player’s marketability often rivals his on-field prowess.
“Samson has a huge fan base in the South. When you think of IPL, it’s not just about cricket and if you think otherwise, you’re wrong. That’s because IPL owners think beyond cricket and focus on how much commercial value a player can bring to a team. Samson is a cricketer with a massive fan following. Wherever the next games are played, Kerala fans need to turn it on. There are already season openers.” Vihari said.
IPL 2026: Vihari considers Samson’s trade unnecessary purely from a tactical point of view
Vihari’s analysis focuses on the current depth of the CSK roster, which already has established stars and emerging talent at the top of the order. By trading for Samson, CSK have created an atmosphere of intense competition for the opening positions, a move Vihari feels is unnecessary from a purely tactical point of view. He believes the team already has enough firepower to lead their innings without making such huge sacrifices.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad is also an opener. So, in fact, they didn’t need Sanju in the team. After coming back from injury, he played at number 3 for Rajasthan Royals in the previous season as well. Players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Aayush Mhatre and Urvil Patel are even stronger contenders in Chennai. In fact, Samson can be given the role of number 3 in the team. Vihari concluded.
As the franchise looks to its long-term future, Vihari believes the trade is designed to establish Samson as the new face of the team. with MS Dhoni‘s final departure approaching, the franchise needed a hero figure who could command the same level of regional loyalty. By bringing in a Kerala icon with pan-Indian appeal, CSK isn’t just buying a wicketkeeper-batsman; they’re investing in a brand that keeps stadiums packed and social media engagement at its peak.
Also READ: Rajasthan Royals’ most expensive players in every IPL auction: Sanju Samson to Ben Stokes
