NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson is ready for a big challenge. With MS Dhoni ruled out for two weeks due to a calf muscle strain, Samson will don the keeping gloves and open the innings for the five-time champions. He was seen spending time with Dhoni, interacting with him, taking tips, and sharing the nets, and will now be eager to begin his new journey in yellow. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday.
“Feels really good, feels really excited to be a part of a champion franchise. Lots to learn, lots to observe, and really excited, really very calm. I think this is something which I relate to very much. I think I am a very chilled-out person, very calm, but when it comes to business, I think we give our everything,” he said in a video shared by the franchise.
Despite the franchise’s success, Samson, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK last year, highlighted a dressing room environment that mirrors his own temperament — calm, composed, and quietly focused.
“I can see in the dressing room people are calm, people are chilled out. They don’t roam around as 5-time IPL champions. I think they don’t roam around as the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. But that’s what I really like to be a part of, and I am very happy that I am part of that kind of culture. And still early days, still looking forward to a lot of exciting things,” he said.
He also hinted at a transition phase within the squad, suggesting that the current phase is part of a well-planned rebuild.
“I think I would like to call it ‘very well planned’, actually. So yeah, very excited to play RR, looking forward to it,” he said.
Facing Rajasthan Royals straight away adds an emotional subplot, and Samson expects the crowd in Guwahati to once again tilt heavily in CSK’s favour.
“I think last time when we played RR vs CSK in Guwahati, it didn’t feel like an RR home game. It was yellow all over the stadium. So that’s what we can expect again this time. And also, I think the passion of the crowds – I think they bring up a lot of energy. I think very passionate crowds in Guwahati are what I expect. And I think hopefully the wicket also plays well and we get a good game of cricket,” he mentioned.
Samson also spoke about the youthful energy in the squad and the fearless mindset they bring.
“CSK is definitely in a building phase, and that’s what our recruitment has also been. So the number, definitely, the age is definitely much less. But in the amount of sixes these guys are hitting, they don’t actually look like youngsters anymore. So I think that’s what the character of the mindset is; it’s required in this format and in this hype. Just be free and go out there and express yourself with a lot of fearlessness. I think that’s what youngsters bring in, and we all are very excited to play with them.”
Looking ahead to the tournament, Samson described the IPL as a festival for fans.
“I think we all are ready for another festival season. So I don’t have to say that we are going to do this or we are going to do that. I think definitely two months of IPL cricket for Chennai fans all over the world. It’s a great festival. So let us all come together and enjoy a great festival season of cricket. And we will try our best to put some smiles on your faces by winning a few games,” he concluded.
CSK are five-time IPL champions, having won titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, won the inaugural edition in 2008 and have not lifted the trophy since.
