Is Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals (RR) to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK)? That’s the question on everyone’s mind following RR captain’s cryptic Instagram post that said, “Time to MOVE.!!” The picture, where Samson is standing with his wife next to a road with a yellow line drawn on it, left fans going crazy, believing it to be a veiled reference to a switch to the yellow-uniformed CSK.
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A user posted, “Seems Sanju is leaving RR and coming to CSK,” while another said, “He is going to CSK I TOLD YOU EARLIER.” Fueling speculation, another fan shared, “Bro Chennai Super Kings coming button.”
Transfer Only Possible Through Trade or Auction
If CSK needs to bring in Samson to their team, the franchise needs to get him through trade. Another option for CSK is to go for the star batter at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, but only if Rajasthan Royals drop him from their retained list.
Currently, CSK’s captain is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who replaced the great MS Dhoni.
Sanju Samson’s IPL Journey So Far
Sanju Samson started his IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012 when they were part of the championship-winning team, though he didn’t get an opportunity to play. Before the 2013 IPL, Rajasthan Royals signed him, and he played for them till 2015.
He then shifted his base to Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) for IPL 2016 and 2017, before returning to RR at the IPL 2018 mega-auction. RR retained him once again prior to both the IPL 2022 and IPL 2025 mega-auctions.
A Successful Captain for Rajasthan Royals
Samson was named captain of Rajasthan Royals in 2021. With him as captain, RR made the final of IPL 2022, their first title appearance since their very first title in 2008.
Samson has captained RR in a total of 65 games, winning 33 and losing 32. His stability and leadership have turned him into the backbone of the franchise.
RR’s Top Run-Score in IPL
With 4027 runs, Sanju Samson is the highest run-scoring for RR in IPL history. He is the lone batter from the franchise to have achieved the 4000-run mark. His teammate Jos Buttler takes the second spot with 3055 runs.
International Career and National Duties
Samson’s showings in the IPL got him included in the national team for the 2014 England tour, and he made his Indian debut in 2015. He still appears in India’s T20I squad as a regular member.
Although there’s been no official word on how things are shaping up for him and CSK, his mysterious post has already fueled fan speculation and excitement leading up to IPL 2026.
