Sanju Samson, who was named the Player of the Series at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, recently opened up about a pivotal moment in his IPL career during an interview with Aakash Chopra on Star Sports.
The talented wicketkeeper-batter shared his thoughts on transitioning from the Rajasthan Royals to the Chennai Super Kings, explaining that the move felt like a natural progression. He mentioned that this decision began to take shape during the 2025 IPL season when he realized that his long tenure with Rajasthan was coming to a close. Samson highlighted the franchise's shift towards a new generation, noting that younger players were stepping up to take on more significant leadership roles, which made it the perfect time for him to embark on a new chapter.
Before the start of IPL 2026, Samson expressed his thoughts, “Moving from RR was big factor for I always had an awareness and thought inside my head that there is a limited time for everyone. You do your part and you move out when you want to move out. But I point that I felt I shouldn't move on. I think we should move on. Boys are ready. RR is ready to play without Sanju Samson. feeling.”
Sanju Samson reflects on his journey from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings. Hear his thoughts on the transfer, his expectations, and what fans can expect from him in CSK colours. Watch him next in #ENGvIND 👉 1st T20I | WED, 1st JULY | 9 PM on JioHotstar Watch… pic.twitter.com/Vv8zwJr9cN
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 27, 2026
He candidly admitted that the idea of leaving the Rajasthan Royals solidified for him midway through IPL 2025. After several seasons of leading the team and helping to establish a strong core, he felt that he had accomplished what he set out to do. Samson decided to make the move before his leadership responsibilities began to overlap with the next generation of players. This choice ultimately led to his impressive ₹18 crore transfer to the Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran made their way to the Rajasthan Royals as part of the trade.
Sanju Samson opens up on being traded to Chennai Super Kings
Talking about his shocking trade, Samson revealed that the Chennai Super Kings was his top choice, as he said, “When you moving out, you think where to house, which team to go.. So, at that time, there were two three options. Honestly, CSK and Mahi Bhai (MS Dhoni) and the franchise in and where they are there are you. my best friend. I feel that this franchise is my type. If I go it very good for So, such a wish. But trade is a very funny thing. Correct. So, trade is like a tripartite agreement.”
He confessed that he had looked up to Dhoni for years and was eager to soak up his wisdom both in the dressing room and during practice. Plus, the stable environment, seasoned management, and strong team culture at CSK made it the perfect match for him. Once Samson expressed his preference, talks between the franchises quickly led to a high-profile trade ahead of the 2026 season.
"Felt like a champion.” – Sanju In Yellove, the spirit chooses you 💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Eh4S0G5Am9
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 19, 2025
The move paid off almost immediately on the field. After a bit of a rocky start, Samson found his groove in CSK's batting lineup, wrapping up IPL 2026 with an impressive 477 runs in 13 innings, boasting an average of 47.70. He hit two centuries and maintained a striking strike rate of 167.50. His stellar performances even allowed him to break MS Dhoni's record for the most runs by a designated wicketkeeper in a single IPL season for Chennai.
Samson's ascent didn't stop there. After initially being left out of India's playing XI for so many years, he secured his spot as an opener during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and turned the campaign around. He racked up 321 runs in five innings, averaging 80.25 with a phenomenal strike rate of 199.37, including a whopping 24 sixes. His match-winning innings of 97* against the West Indies, 89 against England, and another 89 in the final against New Zealand propelled India to a historic third T20 World Cup title, earning Samson the Player of the Series award and marking an incredible comeback.
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