Sanju Samson Responds To CSK Speculation, Reaffirms Rajasthan Royals Stance

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has opened up about his decision to leave Rajasthan Royals ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, describing it as one of the biggest risks of his career. Speaking on JioStar's Superstars, Samson revealed that he had already decided during the 2025 season that it would be his final campaign with the Royals after spending 11 seasons with the franchise. He said the decision followed weeks of discussions with his family and reflected his desire to embrace a fresh challenge rather than remain in a familiar environment.

Samson was traded to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for ₹18 crore in one of the most significant pre-auction deals in IPL history, with Rajasthan Royals receiving all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return. Explaining his decision, Samson said he wanted to "start from zero" by adapting to the spin-friendly conditions at Chennai's Chepauk Stadium. Despite concerns that his aggressive batting style might not suit the surface, the 30-year-old said he was determined to prove himself and viewed the move as an opportunity to rediscover his game in a new environment.

The transition, however, was far from smooth. Samson began the IPL 2026 season with three single-digit scores as CSK lost all three opening matches. Fresh from being named the Player of the Tournament in India's ICC T20 World Cup triumph, where he scored 321 runs, Samson admitted it was difficult to carry that form into the IPL. He said the early failures tested his confidence but also reinforced an important lesson about T20 cricket, where setbacks are inevitable and players often experience more failures than successes.

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According to Samson, the unwavering support of the CSK management and teammates played a crucial role in helping him regain confidence. He recalled that despite his poor start, the team's faith in his abilities never diminished. A conversation with former CSK captain MS Dhoni proved especially significant, with the veteran advising him to stay calm, trust his natural game, and avoid making unnecessary changes. Samson described Dhoni's reassurance that "everything will be alright" as a defining moment that helped him refocus on his strengths rather than the pressure of immediate results.

The advice paid off almost instantly, as Samson responded with an unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals in the very next match, reviving both his own campaign and CSK's hopes. He eventually finished the IPL 2026 season with 477 runs in 14 innings at an average of 43.36 and an impressive strike rate of 165.63, including two centuries and one half-century. Despite his strong individual performances, Chennai Super Kings ended the season in eighth place with six wins and eight defeats, collecting 12 points and missing out on the playoffs.

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