Sanju Samson has left Rajasthan Royals (RR) to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He expressed his happiness at getting the opportunity to play alongside MS Dhoni in IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper-batsman was traded from Rajasthan Royals to the five-time IPL champions for ₹18 crore.
Samson spoke openly about his past admiration for Dhoni and recalled their first meeting. He also discussed the challenges of interacting with Dhoni due to the constant presence of fans around the cricket legend. He is very excited to play alongside Dhoni. Did Sanju Samson leave Rajasthan Royals to play alongside Dhoni? Let’s find out what Sanju said.
Why Samson left RR?
Sanju Samson said, “There’s one guy, everyone knows him. That guy’s name was MS Dhoni. I first met him when I was 19 and was selected for the Indian team. I went on a UK tour, and Mahi bhai was the captain. I saw him for the first time and talked to him for 10-20 days. After that, I would see him during the IPL. There would always be a crowd in front of him. Five people here, 10 people there. I used to think, ‘Well, I can’t meet him here, I’ll have to meet him separately.'”
Samson shared his joy at being able to share the same dressing room with Dhoni and thanked him for the opportunity. He said, “It was my wish. Fate gave me the opportunity to play in the same dressing room with him.”He added, “Those few months. I’m so excited to meet and talk to them. Having breakfast with them, practicing with them, playing with them. Wow! Just thinking about it makes me so happy.”
Samson expressed feeling like a champion upon donning the CSK jersey for the first time. His inclusion in the team is considered a key part of CSK’s future strategy as they prepare for a transition beyond the Dhoni era.
Samson brings a wealth of experience to CSK, having played 177 IPL matches. His impressive stats include 4,704 runs, three centuries, and 26 half-centuries. He also has leadership experience from his time as captain of the Rajasthan Royals.