Former Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has revealed that he decided to leave the franchise after the IPL 2025 season, believing both he and the team were ready for a new chapter. Speaking on JioStar’s ‘Superstars’, Samson said, “After the end of IPL 2025, I told myself that the boys are ready and RR is ready to play without Sanju Samson.”
Ahead of IPL 2026, Samson joined Chennai Super Kings through a trade after spending 11 years with Rajasthan Royals, including five seasons as captain. He admitted the move was emotional but felt CSK was the perfect destination because of the franchise’s culture, his close bond with Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the influence of MS Dhoni.
Samson also credited former India pacer S. Sreesanth for changing the course of his career. He revealed that Sreesanth backed him for Kerala despite poor form and later took him to Rajasthan Royals’ trials, where Rahul Dravid spotted his talent and handed him an opportunity.
Recalling his early IPL days, Samson said he spent his first few matches on the bench, using the time to learn from Dravid, Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane and Brad Hodge by maintaining a diary of their advice. He eventually made his IPL debut in 2013 after an injury to wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik and impressed with an unbeaten 27 and several dismissals behind the stumps.
Samson also spoke about his lifelong admiration for MS Dhoni, calling the CSK move a dream come true, although Dhoni’s injury prevented them from playing together in IPL 2026.
Source: JioStar’s ‘Superstars’.
