As the IPL 2026 begins on March 26, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will be seen in yellow colors, representing Chennai Super Kings, after making a switch from Rajasthan Royals. His switch, finalised through a trade deal before the IPL 2026 auction, came as a shock following his long association with the Jaipur-based side. Speaking ahead of the new season, Samson finally explained the reason behind his decision to leave Rajasthan Royals. 

Samson, who represented Rajasthan Royals across different phases of his career, felt that his journey with the team had come to an end. For him, it was the right moment to explore new opportunities. His association with Rajasthan Royals runs deep. He first joined the franchise in the early years of his IPL career and cemented his place through swashbuckling performances. He holds the record of being RR's most-capped player and leading run-scorer. 

Across more than a decade of involvement with RR, Samson delivered numerous memorable performances, leading the team's batting attack. However, he had a brief stint with another team (Delhi Capitals), but he returned and went on to become a central figure in the Royals’ setup. 

“This is the first time I will play against the 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," Sanju Samson told the media in Thiruvananthapuram. 

Sanju revealed that he had spoken to CSK stalwart MS Dhoni and is excited to join the side. Interestingly, CSK will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals on March 30. 

"I am really excited to be part of CSK. I had spoken to Dhoni over the phone and had shared the dressing room with him when I was in the Indian team. I always had positive vibes after interaction with Dhoni bhai. This will be different as I will be spending close to two months with Dhoni in CSK, and I am eagerly looking forward to it. It will be a great opportunity for me to observe him from close quarters and learn from him,’’ Samson added.