Sanju Samson has quickly become one of Chennai Super Kings’ most important players. After one impressive season, he has now revealed that leaving Rajasthan Royals was the biggest risk of his career.
After playing for almost 150 games and 8 seasons in two stints, Samson was not just the captain of the Rajasthan Royals’ side. He was their most versatile yet dependable batter.
Then, why did he suddenly left the team? What really changed? That is what Samson answered in a recent interview on JioHotstars’ new show: Superstars.
Why Sanju Samson Left Rajasthan Royals
“I had long conversations with my family and my wife. They kept asking me if it was an impulsive decision or if I was really sure. We discussed it for two or three weeks, and then we decided it was time. I was convinced it was the right call,” Samson said.
Although Samson did not directly explain the cricketing reasons behind his exit, his role had reduced following Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s emergence, making a fresh start elsewhere appear increasingly likely.
Why Joining CSK Was A Risk
Still, leaving the team, after captaining it for the past few seasons was a big gamble. But Samson was willing to take it. He remembers, “I told myself, ‘You are 30 years old. Go out and find a way.”
CSK soon acquired Samson in a trade, giving him a fresh start ahead of the 2026 season.
MS Dhoni’s Advice Changed Everything
After registering single-digit scores in his first two matches, questions quickly emerged over Samson’s start to life at CSK.
The pressure grew because Samson was opening the batting while also taking over wicketkeeping duties from MS Dhoni.
Samson even recalls a chat he had with the legend himself. And the former Indian captain reassured him that everything will be alright. That was the nudge that he required.
In the third game, everything changed. Samson not just scored his first fifty, but managed to convert it into a hundred becoming the first centurion of the season. After that, there was no looking back.
Samson finished as the highest runs scorer for CSK, scoring 477 runs in 14 innings. He smashed 2 centuries and 1 fifty, with an average of 43 and strike rate of 165. And 115* runs being highest score against Delhi Capitals.
Can Samson Become CSK Captain?
Sanju’s performance has had a great impact on the fans and the team. And many even want to see him as the future captain of the side. Especially after the below par season that Ruturaj Gaikwad had.
Samson however has no expectations of his own in this. He said, “Even at RR, I never asked for it. Manoj Badale sir, the owner of RR, told me I was the next captain, and I said I was ready.”
He also made it very clear that he is completely enjoying his cricket at the moment. According to him Ruturaj Gaikwad is someone who is taking the team forward in the right direction, and he would love to continue playing under his captaincy.
