Sanju Samson Reflects on Risky Move from Rajasthan Royals to CSK Ahead of IPL 2026
Samson's Transition to Chennai Super Kings
Sanju Samson, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, discussed his decision to leave the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 season, describing it as a significant gamble. He elaborated on his motivations for this move and how CSK's management supported him despite a challenging start to the season, where he faced several low scores. Samson, who was named 'Player of the Tournament' during India's ICC T20 World Cup victory this year, scored 321 runs, including three consecutive fifties, leading up to the final against New Zealand. After spending 11 seasons with RR, he was traded to CSK for ₹18 crores, with RR acquiring all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return. However, his season began with three single-digit scores before he bounced back with an unbeaten 115* against Delhi Capitals.
The Decision to Leave RR
In an interview with JioStar's 'Superstars', Samson shared that he had anticipated 2025 would be his final season with RR and wanted to 'start from zero' by adapting to the spin-friendly conditions at Chepauk. He stated, 'Leaving Rajasthan Royals was a huge risk. Once you express your feelings to the franchise, there's no turning back. You might end up in a team you don't prefer or face uncertainty in the auction.' He explained that two main factors influenced his decision: his conviction that 2025 would be his last year with RR and his confidence in his ability to adapt and succeed. Despite concerns about his batting style not being suited for the slow Chepauk pitch, he encouraged himself to embrace the challenge.
Embracing Challenges in T20 Cricket
Samson acknowledged that his initial matches with CSK were disappointing, but he maintained a positive outlook, recognizing that 'failure is common in T20 cricket.' He noted, 'When you're struggling, it's crucial to have support from those who understand that setbacks are part of the game.' After his first three matches, where he failed to score, he reflected on the pressure from coaches and teammates, especially from MS Dhoni. He returned to practice, focusing on his game and feeling more mature and clear about his objectives.
Lessons from MS Dhoni
Samson recounted a pivotal moment with MS Dhoni after his initial struggles, where Dhoni reassured him that 'everything will be alright.' This advice served as a significant lesson for Samson, emphasizing that he didn't need to alter his approach or feel stressed due to early failures. He recalled, 'Mahi bhai's words were subtle yet impactful. He reminded me to focus on my strengths rather than stress over my performance.' Following this conversation, Samson regained his confidence and scored a century against Delhi Capitals, marking a turning point in his season.
Samson's IPL 2026 Statistics
By the end of the tournament, Samson accumulated 477 runs over 14 innings, boasting an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 165.63, including two centuries and one fifty. Unfortunately, CSK finished eighth in the points table, securing six wins and eight losses across 14 matches, totaling 12 points.