Sanju Samson shares his emotional journey leaving Rajasthan Royals for Chennai Super Kings, highlighting his admiration for MS Dhoni and the challenges of the transition.
New Delhi, India Jul 16, 2026 ALN: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed that leaving IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals after more than a decade-long association was one of the toughest decisions of his career. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a significant platform for cricketers to showcase their talent, and for Samson, his journey with the Rajasthan Royals was both formative and defining.
However, the strong bond he shared with Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad made his move to Chennai Super Kings an easy transition. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), known for their rich history and strong leadership under Dhoni, presents a unique environment that many players find appealing. For Samson, this transition not only signifies a change in teams but also a new chapter in his cricketing career.
"Moving on from RR was a very big decision for me. I believe that after playing for a team for some time, you start to feel like this is your team and nobody can remove you. But, I always had the awareness that there is a limited time for everyone at one place," Samson, who led the Royals for five years before moving to CSK through a trade ahead of IPL 2026, told JioStar's 'Superstars'. This sentiment resonates with many athletes who often grapple with the emotional ties to their teams while recognizing the professional necessity for growth and change.
Samson's leadership role at the Rajasthan Royals was significant, as he not only contributed with his batting but also shaped the team’s strategy and dynamics. "You do your part, and you move out and after the end of IPL 2025, a point came when I felt that I should move on. I told myself that the boys are ready, and RR is ready to play without Sanju Samson. That is when I thought of leaving," he added. This self-awareness and acknowledgment of the team's evolution without him reflect a maturity that is vital for any leader in sports.
The Kerala cricketer said he had a few options on the table after quitting RR but chose Chennai Super Kings because it felt like the perfect fit for his game. The decision-making process for athletes during such pivotal moments can be complex, involving personal aspirations, team dynamics, and the overall environment of the franchise. Samson added that finally donning the iconic yellow jersey was a special feeling. The yellow jersey of CSK has become synonymous with success and a strong fan following, making it a coveted item for many players in the league.
"There were two or three options at that time. But honestly, CSK, Mahi bhai's influence, the franchise itself, and my friends there, especially Ruturaj, meant I had great connections. 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 said. This illustrates not only the strategic considerations involved in player trades but also the emotional ties that influence such decisions.
Growing up, the 31-year-old Samson idolised Dhoni and his fearless batting style, often going to bed dreaming of the day he would get the chance to represent India. The impact of role models in sports cannot be overstated, as they often shape the aspirations and careers of young athletes. "The way he carried himself and his aggressive batting style really attracted me. He used to appear in the ads, and I would cut out his picture and stick it in my diary. Every kid has an idol, and Mahi bhai was mine," he reminisced. This personal connection to Dhoni adds a layer of significance to Samson's move to CSK, as he steps into a team where his childhood idol has had a monumental influence.
"As a child, I used to watch India play every day. Mahi bhai would be captaining and winning matches. I would go to sleep thinking, 'I have to play one day too.' I used to dream of batting with him, building a partnership, and fielding alongside him." This dream, once a distant fantasy, is now within reach as he dons the CSK jersey. Now part of the CSK setup, Samson said one of his biggest dreams is to bat alongside Dhoni. Dhoni missed the entire 2026 IPL season with a calf injury, but Samson said he hasn't given up hope of playing alongside him. The prospect of sharing the field with a player of Dhoni's caliber is a testament to the journey Samson has undertaken from being a young fan to a professional cricketer.
Recalling how he got his first IPL opportunity, Samson said he spent the first few matches on the Rajasthan Royals bench before finally gathering the courage to approach then captain Rahul Dravid. This experience highlights the challenges that young players often face when trying to break into competitive teams. "He calmly explained that I needed to be patient and that my time would come. I was frustrated and disappointed after hearing that, so I took out all my anger in the nets. I would go to the nets and hit sixes, thinking, 'I'll show them.'" This determination and resilience are qualities that define successful athletes, and Samson's journey exemplifies that mindset.
His lucky break came when wicketkeeper, Dishant Yagnik bhai, got injured. "There was no plan to play me, but Dishant bhai got injured for one match. So, they played me against Punjab (then KXIP), which was my debut in the IPL in 2013, and I won that game for the team. It was my first match. I scored 27 not out batting at number 6. I also got three-four dismissals while keeping the wickets. But in the next match, Dishant bhai was fit again, and I was dropped." This narrative illustrates how opportunities in sports can often arise unexpectedly, and how crucial it is for players to seize those moments when they occur.
As Samson embarks on this new chapter with the Chennai Super Kings, his journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers. His story encapsulates the struggles, aspirations, and triumphs of a professional athlete navigating the complexities of team dynamics and personal ambitions. The IPL continues to be a significant platform for players like Samson, where dreams can be realized, and legacies can be built. With his move to CSK, fans and cricket enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to this new environment and contributes to one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.
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