Sanju Samson explains his departure from Rajasthan Royals, stating, "RR was prepared to move on without me."

Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper-batter for India, has opened up about his emotional departure from the Rajasthan Royals, a franchise he has been associated with for over a decade. In a recent interview, he described the decision as one of the most challenging of his career. However, the prospect of joining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he has established strong ties with players like MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad, ultimately swayed his choice. Ahead of the IPL 2026 season, Samson transitioned to CSK through a trade after leading the Royals for five seasons.

Samson reflected on his time with the Royals, acknowledging that both he and the franchise had reached a point where a change was necessary. "Leaving RR was a significant decision for me. After spending so much time with a team, it becomes a part of you, and you feel irreplaceable. Yet, I understood that every player has a limited tenure at a club," he shared during an interview with JioStar's 'Superstars'. He noted that after the conclusion of IPL 2025, he recognized it was time to move on, stating, "I realized that the team was ready to thrive without me." This realization prompted his decision to seek new opportunities.

While several franchises expressed interest in acquiring him, Samson felt a particular connection to CSK. "There were a few options available, but CSK stood out due to the environment and the people involved, especially Mahi bhai's influence," he explained. He emphasized the strong relationships he had built within the team, particularly with Ruturaj Gaikwad, which made the transition feel right. "I had always hoped to join CSK, but trades can be complicated. Fortunately, everything fell into place, and I am thrilled to be part of CSK," he added.

Samson reminisced about his childhood admiration for MS Dhoni, revealing how the former Indian captain inspired him to pursue a career in cricket. "His demeanor and aggressive batting style captivated me. I would cut out his pictures and keep them in my diary," he recalled. As a young fan, he dreamed of one day playing alongside Dhoni, a dream that now feels closer to reality, despite Dhoni's absence from IPL 2026 due to injury.

Looking back at his own journey, Samson recounted his debut in the IPL in 2013 with the Rajasthan Royals. Initially frustrated by limited playing time, he sought advice from then-captain Rahul Dravid, who encouraged him to be patient. "I took my frustrations out in the nets, determined to prove myself," he said. His opportunity came when wicketkeeper Dishant Yagnik was injured, allowing him to make his debut against Punjab, where he made an immediate impact. "I scored 27 not out and contributed with the gloves, but was dropped in the next match when Dishant returned," he concluded, reflecting on the ups and downs of his early career.