New Delhi: Sanju Samson, one of the chief contributors to India’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 win, is looking forward to learn a few valuable lessons from
the iconic “Captain Cool” MS Dhoni at his new franchise Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Samson was traded to CSK as part of a swap deal with the Rajasthan Royals, which saw Ravindra Jadeja joining the Jaipur-based franchise.
Samson, who spent the majority of his IPL career at RR, will be donning the CSK colours when the two teams open their campaigns against each other in Guwahati on March 30.
Samson shared his excitement in linking up with the former India skipper and CSK legend Dhoni in IPL 2026.
Samson and Dhoni to link up at CSK
“I have spoken to Mahi bhai (Dhoni) over the phone and interacted with him, but playing with him as part of a team will be great. I see it as an opportunity to learn from him,” Samson told reporters.
Playing in the opposition camp in the home game for the inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals, would bring a different set of emotions for Samson, though he is determined to keep his emotions in check.
“(I am) looking forward to playing for CSK, I feel grateful for the love and attention I have been getting from fans,” he said.
“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 added.
After spending time on the bench in the first phase of the T20 World Cup, Samson hit three successive half-centuries (89, 97 not out and 89) to power India to their third T20 World Cup title.
While all three of his knocks were crucial, Samson rates his 97 against the West Indies in the virtual knockout game in the Super Eights as the “most important”.
“After the New Zealand series, I did a lot of introspection and rebuilt my mindset; I realised that I had the talent. (The knock of) 97 against West Indies was the most important knock in my opinion as I had to keep my cool even as wickets fell on the other end,” Samson added.
(With PTI Inputs)
