Solving the Post-Dhoni Puzzle: Ashwin suggests Sanju Samson as CSK’s long-term Captain

CHENNAI: Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked significant conversation by suggesting that Sanju Samson is destined to lead the Chennai Super Kings. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin addressed the ongoing leadership transition at the franchise. Ashwin's new observation is noteworthy in a situation where Chennai is in crisis to find a stable captain after MS Dhoni.

On the Captaincy Transition:

Ashwin noted that the process of moving away from the MS Dhoni era has been in motion for years:

"The mantle is already passed on. When Jadeja took over the captaincy a few years ago, I think that is when the mantle was likely to be passed on. Didn't quite work out, and then it's been Ruturaj. I think Ruturaj has been running the show for the last 2–3 years along with [Stephen] Fleming."

Sanju Samson's Future Role:

Despite Ruturaj Gaikwad currently holding the reins, Ashwin believes Samson will eventually take the top job:

"If you ask me, I mean, I’m no astrologer, but all I can tell you is I do see Sanju captaining CSK at some stage. Don’t know when, but I do see that happening."

Avoiding "legacies":

Crucially, Ashwin emphasised that Samson should not try to replicate former leaders like Dhoni or even Gaikwad:

"The one thing I wouldn’t want to risk upon or don't want for Sanju is him stepping into anybody’s shoes. You don’t have to really step into anybody’s legacy... He’s got his own unique clothing in which he lives, and I would like to see his own imprint on it. The very fact that we need to follow somebody’s footsteps is where the issue begins. Then we don't live our lives, right? We start catering to somebody else’s footprints. That is something I don’t want to see him do."