NEW DELHI: India’s T20 World Cup hero Sanju Samson has opened up on his much-discussed exit from Rajasthan Royals, revealing that the decision stemmed from a simple realisation — his journey with the franchise had run its course.Now gearing up for a new chapter with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Samson made it clear that emotions won’t cloud his focus when he comes up against his former side.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don’t let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we face them now, I will play my best cricket,” Samson said.

The highly anticipated clash will come early, with CSK set to face the Royals in their opening game of the season in Guwahati. While Samson admitted the occasion would feel “unusual,” he struck a balanced tone about the emotional aspect of the reunion.“I don’t think much about emotions on the ground as the situation dictates the game. But certainly before and after the match there will be emotions, as there are players and support staff with whom I have shared a long association,” he added.

Samson eyes fresh start with CSK

Samson’s move to CSK has already generated significant buzz, not least because of the opportunity to share a dressing room with MS Dhoni. The Kerala batter revealed he has already spoken to the CSK legend and is eager to learn from him.“I am really excited to be part of CSK. I had spoken to Dhoni bhai earlier and always had positive vibes. Spending close to two months with him will be a great opportunity to observe and learn,” he said.Samson also fondly recalled the support he received from Chennai fans during the T20 World Cup. “I was surprised by the support from the Chennai crowd. Maybe they see me as one of them. I don’t want to disappoint them and will give my best for CSK,” he said.Fresh off a stellar World Cup campaign, Samson now turns his focus to IPL 2026, determined to make a strong impact in yellow.

CSKCL Managing Director Kasi Viswanathan alias K.S. Viswanathan said the cricketing company had been using songs, dialogues, and music from those movies in its promos for quite a few years but Sun TV Network did not raise any objection till March 1, 2026. File.
| Photo Credit: R. Ragu

India’s Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson opened up about the special reception he experienced at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, which has now become his home ground in the IPL following his move to Chennai Super Kings. The 29-year-old recently played at the venue during India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixture against Zimbabwe and spoke about the strong emotional connect he felt with the Chennai crowd and the responsibility that comes with their backing.Samson revealed that the affection was visible from the moment he landed in the city, pointing to the cultural closeness between Chennai and his native Kerala.“After the trade, this is the first time I’m coming to Chennai. Right from the airport, I can feel the special love. Normally, we do come to Kerala and Chennai is very close, we do often come here, and I do feel that energy here. Fortunate to be a part of such a great and passionate fans here in Chennai,” Sanju said in a video shared by bcci.tv on Saturday.

Known for his stylish strokeplay, the right-hander admitted that performing in front of such an enthusiastic fanbase brings not only happiness but also a deeper sense of duty.“Really happy to go out there and entertain them in this way. I’m happy. More than just happiness, there’s also a little extra responsibility. When everyone comes to cheer for you, I think there’s an extra added responsibility to actually entertain them. So yeah, I’m very happy. Yes, we’ll meet soon,” he said in Tamil.On the field, Samson gave India early momentum against Zimbabwe with a quickfire 24 from 15 balls in the powerplay. Opening the batting, he set the tone with a straight six off Richard Ngarava and soon followed it with a pull shot for another maximum off Blessing Muzarabani.He also struck a fluent cut for four and rotated the strike smartly, helping India race to 46 without loss inside three overs. His cameo came to an end when he mistimed a slower short delivery from Muzarabani and was caught at deep mid-wicket, cutting short what looked like a promising innings.