Explained: Why is 'Chetta era' trending after Sanju Samson trade to CSK

Devansh Poddar

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Explained: Why is 'Chetta era' trending after Sanju Samson trade to CSK image

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Ever since Sanju Samson's exceptional trade to the Chennai Super Kings earlier today, the internet has been buzzing with the phrase 'Chetta Era'. The term has become ubiquitous on social media, leaving many fans confused about its actual meaning.

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Samson was traded in by CSK in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moving to the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction.

What does Chetta mean? Why is Sanju Samson's CSK signing called 'Chetta era'?

'Chetta', in this context, is a respectful word in Malayalam that translates to 'Elder Brother', similar to 'Anna' in Tamil and 'Bhaiya' in Hindi.

Like Samson, males from Kerala are lovingly referred to as 'Chetta'. CSK, based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and being a neighbouring state to Kerala, has seen significant cultural exchanges between the two, especially in the arts and movies.

More: CSK eyeing another trade before IPL 2026 retention deadline? Four players are linked apart from Sanju Samson 

The word 'Chetta' essentially ties into the cultural identity of being a Malayali from Kerala. Since Samson hails from Kerala, the CSK fans have taken over social media with the phrase 'Chetta Era.'

It is a show of immense support and respect for their newest recruit, especially as fans have high hopes for Samson. Not only is he a flamboyant batter, but he is also potentially the long-term successor to MS Dhoni, both as a wicket-keeper and in terms of fan-following down south.

For now, CSK captaincy lies with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is also adored by the Chennai fans. It remains to be seen if Samson will be handed the reins at Chepauk, if not immediately, then in the future or whether Gaikwad has already sealed that role.

Is Samson for Jadeja the IPL's biggest trade deal?

While the IPL trade window in itself garnered a lot of interest and attention from fans, one trade deal that captured the attention of the people was the deal involving two big Indian cricketers, Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja.

CSK, RR, and the players mutually agreed on an exchange involving Jadeja, Samson, and Curran in one of the biggest trades in IPL history. 

CSK let their veteran Jadeja and all-rounder Sam Curran go to bring in the experienced wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson as they prepare for the post-Dhoni Era.

The trade ended an era for both franchises, with Jadeja and Samson being the centre of it all. Jadeja has been a part of CSK since 2012, while Samson ended a seven-year association with the Royals franchise.

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Contributing Writer