Sports
‘Moving On from RR Was a Very Big Decision…’: Sanju Samson Reveals Why CSK ‘Felt Like the Right Franchise’
After spending more than a decade with Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson says joining Chennai Super Kings was an emotional but well-thought-out decision, crediting his bond with MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad for making the transition smoother.
India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has spoken candidly about one of the most emotional decisions of his cricketing career—leaving Rajasthan Royals (RR) after a remarkable association spanning more than a decade.
Having represented the Royals for years and captained the side for five seasons, Samson admitted that walking away from the franchise was far from easy. However, he believes every player eventually reaches a stage where change becomes inevitable.
Speaking during JioStar’s ‘Superstars’ programme, Samson reflected on the difficult choice that ultimately led him to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
‘You Start Feeling It’s Your Team’
Recalling his journey with Rajasthan Royals, Samson explained how players naturally develop a deep emotional connection with a franchise after spending years together.
“Moving on from RR was a very big decision for me. After playing for a team for so long, 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 said.
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His comments highlighted the emotional attachment players often develop with franchises that shape their careers.
Why Chennai Super Kings Felt Like Home
While leaving RR was challenging, Samson revealed that joining Chennai Super Kings felt surprisingly comfortable.
According to the Indian wicketkeeper, his long-standing relationship with legendary captain MS Dhoni and current CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad played a significant role in making the move easier.
Samson said the welcoming environment and strong personal connections within the CSK camp convinced him that he had made the right career decision.
A New Chapter in Yellow
Samson officially joined Chennai Super Kings through a trade ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, ending one of the longest player-franchise relationships in IPL history.
His arrival added another experienced Indian batter and wicketkeeper to the CSK squad, while also raising expectations among fans eager to see him flourish in the iconic yellow jersey.
After years of being the face of Rajasthan Royals, Samson now begins a fresh chapter with one of the IPL’s most successful franchises.
Eyes on a Bright Future
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how Sanju Samson adapts to his new surroundings. While memories of Rajasthan Royals remain close to his heart, the experienced batter appears ready to embrace a new challenge with Chennai Super Kings.
His emotional farewell and optimistic outlook underline a simple reality of professional sport—every ending creates the opportunity for a new beginning.
