'I left Rajasthan Royals because...': Sanju Samson's clear-cut take on playing against ex-team RR in IPL 2026

Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) new acquisition Sanju Samson shared his thoughts on the prospect of competing against his former team Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Five-time champions CSK traded Samson from RR in a blockbuster deal. The transition follows a record-breaking trade deal valued at Rs 18 crore, marking one of the most significant moves in the franchise's history. As part of this major reshuffle, CSK legend Ravindra Jadeja returned to the Rajasthan Royals, the team where his IPL journey began, accepting a salary adjustment from Rs 18 crore to Rs 14 crore. Additionally, the Royals strengthened their roster by acquiring England all-rounder Sam Curran for Rs 2.4 crore from Chennai, completing the complex transaction that reshaped both squads.

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I don’t let emotions rule me on the field: Samson on taking on RR in IPL 2026

IPL 2026 is all set to begin on March 28, and CSK are scheduled to open their campaign on March 30, in Guwahati. The match will be a high-stakes encounter as Samson will be up against the Royals in CSK's first outing of the season. On being asked about the match-up, Samson said he won't let emotions rule him on the field when he will face his former team.

“This is the first time I will play against 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,” Samson in a video shared by PTI.

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Sanju Samson ready to roar for Chennai Super Kings

Samson’s arrival at CSK marks a new chapter in his career, with the franchise becoming the fourth he has represented since his initial signing with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Although his journey began in 2013, the Kerala-born wicketkeeper has spent the vast majority of his career with the Rajasthan Royals. Outside of a two-year stint with the Delhi Capitals in 2016 and 2017, during the period when the Royals were suspended, Samson has been synonymous with the Pink Jersey, amassing 177 IPL appearances to date.

For CSK, IPL 2026 will be their shot to redemption following a horrendous 2025 campaign. For the first time in the team's storied history, the five-time champions finished at the bottom of the points table, nothcing only four wins throughout the tournament.