Ahead of the IPL 2026 retention deadline last November, a high-profile transfer deal took place involving Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).
As part of the trade agreement, Sanju Samson joined CSK while RR received the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Since making his IPL debut in 2013, Samson represented the Royals in all but two seasons—2016 and 2017—when he played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).
The wicketkeeper batter’s record as RR skipper is 33 wins and 33 losses in 67 matches, making him the most successful captain for the franchise. Under his leadership, the team reached their first IPL final since 2008 in 2022 and also qualified for the playoffs twice.
With less than two weeks remaining for the upcoming IPL season, Samson broke his silence about leaving the Royals camp.
Addressing the media, India’s T20 World Cup hero said he doesn't let emotions affect him and would have no problem playing for CSK against RR.
Samson also stated that he decided to part ways with the Royals because he felt his time at the franchise was over.
“This is the first time I will play against the Rajasthan Royals, but I don't let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we come up against them now, I will play my best cricket,” Samson told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday (March 17).
Sanju Samson, who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 title defence, revealed that he has already spoken to the legendary MS Dhoni and is looking forward to playing for CSK at Chepauk.
He also recalled how the Chennai crowd supported him during the T20 World Cup Super 8 fixture against Zimbabwe when he regained his place in the playing XI.
"I am really excited to be part of CSK. I had spoken to Dhoni over the phone and had shared the dressing room with him when I was in the Indian team. I always had positive vibes after interaction with Dhoni bhai. This will be different as I will be spending close to two months with Dhoni in CSK, and I am eagerly looking forward to it. It will be a great opportunity for me to observe him from close quarters and learn from him," Sanju said.
"I was surprised by the support I got from the Chennai crowd during the World Cup. I think I am lucky. Maybe they see me as one of them. I don’t want to disappoint them in the IPL and will give my best for CSK,” he remarked.
Samson will enter the 19th edition of IPL on the back of strong performances in the recently held T20 World Cup, earning him the Player-of-the-Tournament award. He finished as the competition’s third highest run-getter with 321 runs from just five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.
The Kerala lad produced a match-winning 97* (50 balls) in the virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies, an attacking 89 (42 balls) against England in the semifinal, and another 89 (46 balls) in the final against New Zealand, powering India to a record third T20 World Cup title.
