Sanju Samson Openly Warns Rajasthan Royals With Special CSK Pledge Before IPL 2026

Sanju Samson will play against RR for CSK [Source: AFP]

Experienced Indian batter Sanju Samson has openly warned his former franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, ahead of the IPL 2026. 

Samson recently enjoyed stellar success in the T20 World Cup, playing a pivotal role in India's historic title triumph under Suryakumar Yadav. 

The swashbuckling batter hammered belligerent half-centuries on three successive occasions, thus powering the Indian team to the title with scintillating stroke-play. 

As the IPL 2026 approaches, the Kerala cricketer is motivated to sustain his purple patch and make an impact for CSK, a team he joined after leaving the Rajasthan Royals. 

Sanju Samson's dramatic shift from Rajasthan Royals to CSK

Hailed for his aggressive batting style, Samson served as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals from 2021 to 2025. 

However, in a dramatic sequence of events, the right-handed batter was traded to CSK, with the Royals securing the services of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja at his expense. 

Given that Samson represented RR in 149 out of 177 IPL matches, his departure created a significant void in the Royals' camp. 

Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal Accused Of Plotting Sanju Samson's RR Exit; 1 More Player Involved

While Riyan Parag has replaced the outgoing batter as the new captain of the franchise, the likes of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal are set to spearhead their batting unit in the post-Samson era. 

Sanju Samson promises to stun RR with his best game in IPL 2026

Samson is one of RR's all-time greats, having amassed 4027 runs at a healthy strike rate of 141.25. He has also showcased remarkable attributes in the Royals' jersey, being the second captain after the legendary Shane Warne to lead them to an IPL final. 

Interestingly, the ex-RR skipper will be up against his former team, with Chennai Super Kings set to take on the Royals in their first match of the IPL 2026.  

Given that he was an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals, facing his former team could certainly be emotionally challenging for Sanju Samson in the IPL 2026. 

However, Samson, who will now play for CSK, believes he can overcome the emotional baggage and play his best cricket against the Royals in the tournament. 

Speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Samson revealed that he left RR on his own terms and would do his best to torment his former franchise with impactful performances in the CSK jersey. 

“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 press in Thiruvananthapuram. 

The destructive top-order batter further admitted to speaking with CSK supremo and former captain MS Dhoni ahead of the IPL 2026. He expressed his eagerness to learn MS Dhoni's cricketing acumen, which has been an inspiration for several players like him over the years. 

"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. 

Where will Sanju Samson bat for CSK?

Talking about Chennai-based franchise, the Super Kings made some experiments with their top-order, which failed to fire in the IPL 2025. 

As they parted ways with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to be back at the opening slot alongside the young Ayush Mhatre. This means Sanju Samson might be allotted the number three slot, where he has performed magnificently in the IPL. 

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