India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has spoken candidly about his decision to leave Rajasthan Royals (RR) after 11 seasons, describing the move as one of the biggest risks of his cricket career.
Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Samson joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in an ₹18 crore trade deal, ending a long association with the franchise where he established himself as one of the league’s most consistent performers. Speaking during an interaction with JioStar, Samson revealed that the decision was carefully considered and supported by his family.
Reflecting on the move, Samson admitted there was considerable uncertainty once he informed Rajasthan Royals about his intentions.
“Leaving Rajasthan Royals was a huge risk. Once you convey your feelings to the franchise, there is no going back. You could end up in a team you do not want to go to or even in the auction with no certainty,” Samson said.
He explained that he had already decided the 2025 season would be his last with Rajasthan Royals after extensive discussions with his family and his wife.
amson said he was prepared to embrace a fresh start despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. According to the batter, confidence in his own abilities played a major role in the decision.
“I believe I can stand on my own. I am always ready to start from zero,” he said.
He also acknowledged concerns raised by many regarding his batting style and whether it would suit Chennai’s traditionally spin-friendly Chepauk surface.
The 31-year-old had a difficult beginning to his journey with Chennai Super Kings, struggling to make an impact in his first three matches. However, Samson praised the unwavering support he received from the CSK management and his teammates. He said the team’s confidence in him remained unchanged despite his early failures, which helped him regain belief and settle into the new environment.
After the slow start, Samson recovered impressively and enjoyed a productive IPL 2026 campaign.
IPL 2026 Performance
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Runs | 477 |
| Centuries | 2 |
| Strike Rate | 165.62 |
His performances played an important role in CSK’s batting lineup and demonstrated his ability to adapt successfully to a new franchise.
