Sanju Samson ended his decade-long association with Rajasthan Royals (RR) before IPL 2026 and joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) via trade. The wicketkeeper-batsman had first joined RR as a rookie in 2013 and became the team’s captain in 2021. He was expected to be an RR lifer. But after 11 seasons, he decided to move on from the franchise. Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Superstars’, Samson has revealed that he had a few options before he joined CSK. MS Dhoni was among the reasons why Samson decided to join the Yellow Army.
“There were two or three options at that time. But, honestly, CSK, Mahibhai’s influence, the franchise itself, and my friends there, especially Ruturaj, meant I had great connections,” Samson said.
“Based on what I had heard about CSK from other players, I felt that this franchise was my type. If I go there, it will be very good for me. I had wished for that, but a trade is a tricky thing. I want to go there, but do they want me? And the original team needs to get what they want in return. Everyone has to agree. It was a major turning point. Luckily, I ended up in CSK. It was a great feeling,” he added.
Samson top-scored for CSK in his maiden IPL season for them and scored 477 runs in 14 games. His tally included two sixes and one half-century. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side failed to qualify for the second round. With only six wins in 14 games, CSK finished in the eighth spot in the points table.
Sanju Samson’s performance for Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson made his IPL debut for RR in 2013. He scored 4027 runs in 144 innings across 149 matches for the inaugural IPL Champions. His tally includes two centuries and 23 half-centuries. Samson moved to Delhi Capitals (then known as Delhi Daredevils) for IPL 2016 and 2017.
Samson returned to RR in 2018 and played for them till 2025. He replaced Ajinkya Rahane as RR’s captain before IPL 2021. Samson-led RR lost to Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022 final.
