New Delhi: Sanju Samson I have finally settled the growing chatter around my long-term role. Chennai Super KingsMaking it clear that he is fully committed to playing under the captaincy. Rituraj Gaikwad Despite speculation that he has been linked with a future captaincy role in the franchise.One of the biggest trades ahead of IPL 2026 saw Samson leave Rajasthan Royals for CSK, a move seen by many as part of the franchise’s succession planning. MS Dhoni Nearing the end of his illustrious IPL career.
After Dhoni was ruled out for the season due to injury, Samson immediately stepped into the wicketkeeping duties and enjoyed a brilliant campaign. The stylish opener has scored 430 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of 169.29, including two centuries and a fifty.‘I will play for my captain Rituraj’Speaking on the Super Kings podcast, Samson dismissed suggestions that he had arrived at CSK with leadership expectations.“I am here to play for my team. I will play for my captain Rituraj. I will play for my coach Stephen Fleming,” Samson said.The Kerala batsman also revealed the strong bond he shares with Gaikwad both on and off the field.“The friendship between Ruto and I can be seen even when we are fielding. We both work through it together,” he added.‘I love being with Mahi Bhai’Samson also gushed about his admiration for Dhoni and said that he makes it a point to spend time with the CSK legend whenever possible.“I like to be with Mahi Bhai wherever possible. Whenever I come here, I try to make time to go to his room and meet him,” revealed Samson.His comments came as CSK registered their third consecutive win by beating Lucknow Supergiants by five wickets in Chepauk on Sunday.Arul Patel’s record blitz powered CSK.Youngster Arul Patel stole the show with a breathtaking 13-ball fifty – equal to the fastest half-century in IPL history – before hitting 65 off just 23 balls.CSK eventually chased down 208 with four balls to spare, thanks to a late strike from inspired player Prashant Vir. The win lifted the five-time champions to fifth place and kept their playoff hopes firmly alive.
