For many IPL fans, seeing Sanju Samson against Rajasthan Royals will be a rather novel spectacle. After years of representing the Royals, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter now dons the yellow of Chennai Super Kings (CSK), making his first encounter with his former team a hotly anticipated clash. The switch has generated plenty of chatter, and fans are eager to see whether Samson’s past ties will influence his performance.
Staying Level-Headed on the Field
When asked about the upcoming showdown, Samson didn’t mince words.
“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 come up against them now, I will play my best cricket,” he told PTI.”
Clearly, Sanju Samson against Rajasthan Royals won’t be about nostalgia—he’s focused on winning for CSK. His words underline a professional mindset, signalling that personal history won’t get in the way of top-level performance. Joining CSK has also offered Samson a unique opportunity to spend time alongside one of cricket’s greatest minds. Reflecting on his stint with the five-time champions, he shared,
“I’ve spoken to Mahi bhai a lot and have seen him on and off in the Indian team, but this will be the first time we’ll spend two months together, so there’s a lot of excitement. Whenever he calls or speaks to me, there’s always a positive influence. But being with him in the same team for two months will definitely have its benefits, and just thinking about it makes me happy. Watching and learning from the way he approaches the game is something I see as a great opportunity.”
This shows that beyond facing old rivals, Samson is also relishing the chance to grow under MS Dhoni’s mentorship, a factor that could elevate CSK’s squad in IPL 2026.
Riding the Wave of Form
Samson arrives at CSK on the back of an outstanding T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. He finished as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer, accumulating 321 runs across five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. Highlights included an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies, followed by 89 against England in the semi-final, and another 89 in the final versus New Zealand.
VIDEO | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: “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 come up against them now, I will play my best cricket,”… pic.twitter.com/yhzyONME20
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 16, 2026
Awarded Player of the Tournament and named in the ICC Team of the Tournament, Sanju Samson in CSK is expected to carry that momentum into the IPL, giving the franchise fresh firepower.
CSK Eyes Redemption
For CSK, who endured a disappointing 2025 season finishing at the bottom of the points table, Samson’s arrival represents more than just a new signing—it signals hope. The franchise is aiming to rebuild, blending experience with fresh talent like Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer. Fans will be keenly watching Sanju Samson against Rajasthan Royals to see if he can inspire CSK early in the season and help turn their fortunes around.
