The Indian Premier League has seen its fair share of high-profile player transfers, and the latest buzz surrounds Rajasthan Royals’ skipper Sanju Samson. Reports suggest that Samson is looking to part ways with RR ahead of IPL 2025, with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) being rumored as a likely destination.
However, while CSK is a tempting option, Mumbai Indians (MI) could be a far better fit for the Kerala-born star — both on and off the field. Here’s why a move to MI makes total sense for Samson and could be a masterstroke by the five-time IPL champions.
Sanju Samson: The Ideal Long-Term Replacement for Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has been the backbone of Mumbai Indians for over a decade, but with the veteran opener nearing 40, the franchise must start thinking about the future. This is where Sanju Samson comes into the picture.
At 30, Samson is in the prime of his career and currently one of the most explosive T20I openers in the world. His aggressive intent and ability to take on bowling attacks from ball one make him a natural successor to Rohit at the top of the order. Bringing Samson in would ensure MI continue their legacy of having dynamic Indian batters opening the innings.
Pairing him with Rohit for one final season before he takes the reins could be a transition straight out of a dream. And if Rohit decides to move into a mentor or leadership role in the future, Samson — with years of captaincy experience at RR — could be groomed to lead MI next.
Solving MI’s Wicketkeeping Puzzle with a Proven Indian Star
Mumbai Indians’ biggest concern during IPL 2025 was their lack of a proven Indian wicketkeeper. With Ishan Kishan out of form and no other strong Indian options, MI were forced to rely on overseas player Ryan Rickelton, who occupied a vital overseas slot.
Enter Sanju Samson. As a top-class wicketkeeper-batter with vast IPL and international experience, Samson would instantly resolve this issue. More importantly, it would give MI greater flexibility in team selection, allowing them to use overseas spots for other key areas like pace or spin.
An opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson would not only be devastating on paper but also bring balance and flair to MI’s batting lineup — something the team has craved in recent seasons.
A Commercial Win for Both MI and Samson
Beyond the cricketing reasons, this potential move also makes perfect commercial sense. Samson, who already enjoys massive popularity, especially in Kerala, would see his brand grow exponentially by joining a marquee franchise like MI.
For Mumbai Indians, signing Samson means expanding their fanbase deep into South India. With Samson’s loyal following, especially in Kerala, MI could tap into a new, passionate market and further solidify their position as the IPL’s most followed franchise.
Samson’s arrival would also be a marketing goldmine, offering endless possibilities for brand partnerships, social engagement, and merchandise sales. It’s a classic win-win for both the player and the franchise.
