IPL 2026: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming has candidly acknowledged that new addition Sanju Samson's arrival is a strategic move, underscoring CSK's proactive stance in preparing for life after eventual exit of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni.

Fleming addressed both immediate needs and long-term plans, particularly with MS Dhoni's eventual departure looming.

“For us, the opportunity was there. We felt we were still a little bit light in our opening batting. And we were also looking at the fact that at some point, MS will move on," Fleming said at the IPL 2026 auction in Abu Dhabi.

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“Sanju is an international-quality player, and he fills that role very well. So it’s succession planning, but also about refreshing the group and looking at what Chennai will look like in six years, not just two," Fleming explained.

Samson's departure from Rajasthan was a deliberate choice, with Rajasthan Royals co-owner Manoj Badale disclosing that the captain initiated the move.

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“He was personally emotionally drained. Sanju cares a huge amount about RR, and the season took a lot out of him. After giving the best part of 14 years to the franchise, he felt he needed a new chapter to refresh the end of his IPL journey," Badale said.