India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has described his departure from Rajasthan Royals as one of the most emotional decisions of his cricketing career, saying the move came only after he realised that both he and the franchise were ready for a fresh chapter.
Samson ended an association spanning more than a decade with Rajasthan Royals after joining Chennai Super Kings through a trade ahead of the IPL 2026 season. Having captained the Royals for five seasons, the Kerala batter admitted that leaving the franchise was far from easy.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Speaking on JioStar’s Superstars, Samson said players often develop a deep emotional bond with a team after spending several years there. He noted that, over time, it begins to feel like home, creating the belief that the association will continue indefinitely. However, he added that every player has a limited period with a franchise, and accepting that reality is an important part of a professional career.
The 31-year-old explained that he sensed it was the right moment for both him and Rajasthan Royals to move in different directions. While the decision was difficult, the opportunity to join Chennai Super Kings made the transition easier.
Samson revealed that his existing relationship with CSK icons MS Dhoni and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played a significant role in his decision. He said he had always shared mutual respect and comfort with both players, making Chennai an attractive destination as he looked to begin a new phase in the IPL.
The wicketkeeper-batter now hopes to contribute to one of the league’s most successful franchises and continue his growth as a player. After years of leading Rajasthan Royals, Samson believes the switch to Chennai Super Kings offers a fresh challenge and a chance to add another successful chapter to his IPL journey while working alongside some of the game’s biggest names.
