Sanju Samson has become one of the most talked-about players in Indian cricket in recent times. His performances and growing fan base have made him a major figure in the sport.
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary recently shared a bold opinion, saying Samson’s popularity among fans is only behind Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. His comments have sparked discussion among cricket followers about Samson’s rise and his future in franchise cricket.
At the same time, Samson’s association with Chennai Super Kings has also created excitement among fans who see him as a key player for the team in the coming years.
CSK Management’s View on Captaincy
Chennai Super Kings management has made it clear that Ruturaj Gaikwad will continue as captain for now. The franchise has always shown strong support for its leaders and prefers stability in team roles.
Even though Gaikwad remains captain, many fans believe Sanju Samson could become a major player for CSK in the future. Supporters already see him as an important part of the squad and someone who can contribute in multiple roles.
Samson’s arrival comes at a time when MS Dhoni’s playing future is uncertain. Because of this, discussions have started about how CSK might build their team for the next phase after Dhoni.
Sanju Samson’s Rising Popularity
Sanju Samson has built a strong reputation over the last few years. His popularity increased even more after India’s successful run in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
During that tournament, Samson delivered important performances and even received the Player of the Match award in one of the key games.
His ability to play attacking yet controlled innings helped him gain more attention from fans across the country.
Sanju Samson Recent Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Major tournament | ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Key performances | Strong innings in knockout matches |
| Awards | Player of the Match in the tournament |
| Fan following | Among the biggest in Indian cricket |
These performances helped Samson become a widely admired cricketer with a growing fan base.
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Manoj Tiwary’s Bold Statement
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary recently shared a strong view about Samson’s popularity.
According to Tiwary, Samson currently has the third-largest fan following among Indian cricketers, just behind Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
He said that fans continue to support Samson even during difficult phases in his career, which shows the level of loyalty he has among cricket followers.
Tiwary also highlighted Samson’s versatility as a player. He believes Samson can open the innings, play in the middle order, and also keep wickets when required.
This flexibility makes him an important option for teams looking to build balanced lineups.
Samson’s Possible Role at CSK
Many analysts believe Sanju Samson could play multiple roles for Chennai Super Kings in the coming seasons.
Possible Roles for Samson in CSK
| Role | Impact for the Team |
|---|---|
| Opening batter | Provide aggressive starts |
| Middle-order batter | Stabilize the innings |
| Wicketkeeper | Backup option when needed |
| Leadership option | Potential future leader |
These options give CSK flexibility in how they use Samson depending on team requirements.
Samson as a Future Face of CSK
MS Dhoni will turn 45 after the current IPL season, and many fans expect this to be his final year as a player.
Because of this, discussions have started about who could become the next major face of the franchise.
Sanju Samson is often mentioned as a strong candidate. His calm personality, consistent performances, and connection with fans make him someone who could carry the team’s brand forward.
Chennai Super Kings have always valued players who build strong relationships with supporters, and Samson’s simple and approachable style fits well with that philosophy.
A Journey of Struggles and Comebacks
Manoj Tiwary also spoke about Samson’s career journey and the challenges he has faced.
Throughout his career, Samson has experienced moments where he was dropped from teams or overlooked for opportunities. Despite those setbacks, he continued to work hard and return stronger.
Tiwary even suggested that Samson’s story could become a book one day because it reflects persistence and determination.
According to him, Samson’s performances in the T20 World Cup knockout matches showed how a player can turn difficult situations into memorable moments.
Sanju Samson’s presence in the squad could play an important role in CSK’s long-term planning.
The team might use him as a top-order batter, a wicketkeeper option, and possibly even a future leader. Off the field, his strong fan following could help the franchise maintain its popularity among supporters.
For CSK fans, Samson represents a bridge between the legendary Dhoni era and the team’s future.
As the franchise prepares for the next phase of its journey, many supporters are eager to see how Samson’s role develops in the Yellow Army.
