‘CSK Was My Type’: Sanju Samson Reveals Why He Left Rajasthan Royals for Chennai Super Kings

Sanju Samson has opened up about one of the biggest decisions of his Indian Premier League (IPL) career—leaving Rajasthan Royals (RR) after more than a decade to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

The India wicketkeeper-batter admitted that walking away from the franchise where he spent most of his IPL journey was emotionally challenging. However, he felt the time had come for a fresh chapter, and Chennai Super Kings emerged as the ideal destination.

‘Leaving RR Was a Massive Decision’

Speaking about his departure, Samson said he had developed a deep emotional attachment with Rajasthan Royals after representing the franchise for several years.

He explained that after leading the side for five seasons, he eventually realised both he and the franchise were ready to move forward.

According to Samson, it was one of the toughest professional decisions he has ever taken, but he believed it was the right moment to embrace a new challenge.

Why CSK Became the First Choice

The 31-year-old revealed that he had multiple options after deciding to leave Rajasthan Royals, but Chennai Super Kings stood out because of its environment and the people associated with the franchise.

Samson credited MS Dhoni’s influence, his friendship with Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the positive feedback he had heard from fellow cricketers about CSK’s dressing-room culture.

He admitted that wearing the famous yellow jersey had always been a dream, although completing a player trade required agreement from all parties involved.

When the move was finalised ahead of IPL 2026, Samson described it as a major turning point in his cricketing journey.

Dhoni Was Always His Childhood Idol

Samson also spoke about his admiration for Mahendra Singh Dhoni, revealing that the legendary captain was his childhood inspiration.

He recalled collecting Dhoni’s photographs from advertisements and keeping them in his diary while dreaming of one day representing India alongside him.

The wicketkeeper-batter said he often imagined batting with Dhoni and sharing the field in Indian colours.

Now that he is part of the Chennai Super Kings setup, Samson hopes to fulfil another long-standing dream—batting alongside Dhoni in the IPL.

Although Dhoni missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to a calf injury, Samson remains optimistic that the opportunity will eventually come.

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How Rahul Dravid Shaped His Early IPL Journey

Reflecting on his IPL debut, Samson remembered spending the opening matches of the 2013 season on the Rajasthan Royals bench.

Frustrated by the wait, he approached then-captain Rahul Dravid, seeking clarity about his chances.

Dravid advised him to remain patient, assuring him that his opportunity would arrive when the time was right.

Samson admitted that the conversation left him disappointed, motivating him to work even harder during practice sessions.

His breakthrough eventually came after wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik suffered an injury, opening the door for Samson’s debut against Kings XI Punjab.

He impressed immediately, scoring an unbeaten 27 while also making multiple dismissals behind the stumps to help Rajasthan Royals secure victory.

However, with Yagnik returning to fitness for the following match, Samson found himself back on the sidelines—a reminder of how competitive the IPL can be.

Today, after evolving into one of India’s premier wicketkeeper-batters and beginning a new chapter with Chennai Super Kings, Samson believes every challenge along the way helped shape the cricketer he has become.