IPL 2026: Should CSK have gone for Jamie Smith over Sanju Samson?

Published - 13 Dec 2025, 11:26 IST | Updated - 13 Dec 2025, 12:07 IST

The Chennai Super Kings’ decision to trade for Sanju Samson ahead of IPL 2026 has triggered immense debate. While Samson’s experience and Indian batting abilities are well-known, many questioned whether CSK missed a bigger opportunity by not targeting England’s wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith.

CSK had a disastrous IPL 2025, finishing last with just four wins. Injuries to Ruturaj Gaikwad, poor performances from Rachin Ravindra and Devon Conway, and uncertainty around MS Dhoni’s future exposed a major void in their squad. With several senior players nearing the end of their careers, CSK opted to trade Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to the Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Samson.

The veteran batter comes as a ready-made leader with over 4,500 IPL runs and is a solid wicketkeeper. For CSK, the trade addressed the scarcity of Indian top-order options in the mini-auction. However, stability alone may not be enough for a franchise that looks towards long-term plans.

Sanju Samson vs Shubman Gill - who is better T20I opener?

Meanwhile, Smith’s recent heroics for England could have been a smarter investment for CSK’s future. His 80-ball Test century against India at Edgbaston was the fastest hundred by an English wicketkeeper against India. Coming in at 84/5, Smith took on Indian bowlers brilliantly.

The 24-year-old can be a player CSK desperately needs. He can open in T20s, bat anywhere from No.3 to No.6, and is a technically sound wicketkeeper. His numbers in the middle order since 2023, including 555 runs at a strike rate of over 163, match the role MS Dhoni once owned for CSK. With Dhoni set to play his final season, Smith could have been a natural long-term successor rather than a stopgap solution.

CSK's Sanju Samson becomes Kerala captain ahead of IPL 2026

Moreover, CSK’s struggles have often come from a lack of intent at the top. Smith’s approach could be crucial, which the team lacked in 2025. Pairing him with a young Indian opener like Ayush Mhatre, while letting Ruturaj Gaikwad anchor at No.3, could have given CSK a dynamic top order.

However, Samson undoubtedly strengthens CSK in the short term. He brings leadership experience and familiarity with Indian conditions. CSK already sacrificed two all-rounders for him, raising questions about balance and long-term squad depth.