Why Sanju Samson Left Rajasthan Royals: CSK Star Opens Up on Big IPL 2026 Move

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Sanju Samson has finally revealed the reason behind his much-talked-about exit from Rajasthan Royals, confirming that the decision was driven by a personal sense of closure rather than any controversy.

Dressed in a black patterned kurta paired with a traditional white dhoti, Samson interacted with the media in Thiruvananthapuram. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala spoke in his trademark candid fashion while answering questions, offering rare insight into his decision to leave Rajasthan Royals.

The right-hander, who will now represent Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2026, said he felt his journey with Rajasthan had reached its natural end.

"I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we play against them now, I will give my best for my team," Samson said.

A Long Association Comes to an End

Samson had been one of the key faces of Rajasthan Royals over the years, even leading the side to the IPL 2022 final, where they finished runners-up. His leadership and batting made him a central figure in the franchise's setup.

However, despite his importance to the team, Rajasthan Royals revealed earlier that Samson had expressed his desire to move on midway through the IPL 2025 season, leading to his eventual trade to CSK for ₹18 crore.

New Chapter with Chennai Super Kings

The Kerala star is now set to don the iconic yellow jersey of Chennai Super Kings and is excited about the opportunity to play under the leadership of MS Dhoni.

Samson revealed that he has already interacted with Dhoni and is eager to learn from one of the game's most successful captains.

"I had spoken to Dhoni bhai and always got positive vibes from him. Now I will be spending close to two months with him at CSK, and I am really looking forward to it," he said.

He also spoke about the strong connection he feels with Chennai fans, recalling the support he received during the T20 World Cup.

"I was surprised by the support from the Chennai crowd during the World Cup. I feel lucky and I don't want to disappoint them. I will give my best for CSK," Samson added.

No Emotional Baggage

Despite facing his former team in IPL 2026, Samson made it clear that emotions will not affect his performance on the field.

"This will be the first time I play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don't let emotions rule me on the field," he said.

Peak Form Ahead of IPL 2026

Samson enters IPL 2026 in top form after playing a key role in India's T20 World Cup triumph. He scored 321 runs in the tournament, including match-winning performances in the Super 8s and semi-finals.

With scores of 97, 89 and 89* in his last three outings for India, Samson will be one of the players to watch this season.

For Samson, the move to Chennai Super Kings represents not just a team change but a fresh chapter in his career. Having achieved significant milestones with Rajasthan Royals, he now looks ready to embrace a new challenge and continue evolving as a cricketer.