TL;DR
- Sanju Samson joins Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026.
- CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to acquire Samson.
- Jadeja and Curran departed CSK with mutual agreement and gratitude.
- Rajasthan Royals also paid tribute to Samson after his departure.
The day is finally here that the Chennai Super Kings fans were eagerly looking forward to, as the five-time Indian Premier League champions finally announced the arrival of India international wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals.
Following months of speculation regarding Samson's future and his upcoming team, it's now confirmed that the wicket-keeper batsman will represent Chennai in their iconic yellow jersey starting with the IPL 2026 season.
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It was first reported a couple of months back that Samson is eyeing a move away from RR after spending 10 seasons over two stints in the Pink City of Jaipur. The 31-year-old had accordingly informed the RR management of his desire to leave the team.
Samson was soon linked with a move to several franchise's including Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, alongside CSK. However, he eventually opted to link up with his idol MS Dhoni in Chennai.
READ: CSK retention list for IPL 2026 auction
Chennai Super Kings announced their acquisition of Sanju Samson.
Chennai Super Kings announced they have traded in Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran ahead on Saturday morning.
CSK Managing Director, KS Viswanathan, said in the statement: "A transition in a team's journey is never easy. Trading out a player like Ravindra Jadeja, who has been an integral part of the franchise for more than a decade, and Sam Curran was one of the toughest decisions we have taken in the team's history."
Both Jadeja and Curran were involved in the decision, which was made with mutual agreement. We're incredibly thankful for Jadeja's remarkable contributions and the lasting impact he's made. We extend our best wishes to both Jadeja and Curran for their future endeavors.
"We also welcome Sanju Samson, whose skill-set and achievements complement our ambitions. This decision has been made with great thought, respect, and a long-term vision," the statement read.
CSK also paid a special tribute to the much-loved Jadeja as he left the franchise, using phrases such as "Sword that guarded the Yellove Kingdom" and "Always our Thalapathy. Always our Jaddu.".
The Sword that guarded the Yellove kingdom.
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 15, 2025
There are players
and there are protectors.
He was both.
Today, we bow in gratitude.
For the finishes.
For the breakthrough spells.
Always our RaJa.
Always our Thalapathy.
Always our Jaddu!#WhistlePodu #ThalapathyForever pic.twitter.com/tzOLpvBqyF
Sanju Samson's departure from the franchise after almost ten years prompts an RR reaction.
Rajasthan Royals thanked Samson with a tribute as RR players shared their memories with the former skipper.
It was an honor being a part of your journey, Sanju 💗 pic.twitter.com/zWvoIgWbhK
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) November 15, 2025
Sanju Samson's journey in IPL
| M | R | H.S | Avg. | S/R | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 177 | 4704 | 119 | 30.95 | 139.05 | 2 | 26 | 379 | 219 |
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