IPL 2026: [Watch] "It's a great feeling.." Sanju Samson has his say on donning CSK jersey for the first time

Sanju Samson has joined CSK ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction.

In the biggest trade ahead of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction, Sanju Samson joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad. Days after the wicket-keeper joined the franchise through a trade deal, the five-time champions released a video across their social media platforms, where Samson wore the yellow jersey for the first time. The wicket-batter was ecstatic to don the jersey and shared that he felt like a champion.

Ahead of IPL 2026 mini auction, CSK traded in Samson from Rajasthan Royals (RR) and in return, they traded out all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. While Samson was retained for Rs. 18 crore, Jadeja received a pay-cut, dropping to Rs. 14 crores from his previous salary of Rs. 18 crores.

Samson was the captain of RR since the 2021 edition, however, he will not get leadership opportunity at CSK as they have already confirmed Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain for the next season. The five-time champions are expected to groom Samson as MS Dhoni’s replacement, who is in his fag end of his career.

I think it’s a great feeling: Sanju Samson expresses his excitement after wearing the CSK jersey for the first time

Wearing the CSK jersey for the first time, Samson said that he felt a different energy after wearing it. The right-handed batter will don number 11 on his jersey, which he used to have with the Royals as well. However, unlike the light pink jersey in his previous seasons, he will now play in a bright yellow outfit in the upcoming season.

In an official video posted by CSK on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “I have been waiting for this day and I’m very fortunate that I am going to wear the yellow jersey. I am always in my dark colours, but yellow, definitely I think it’s a great feeling,” he said.

“To wear that jersey, I never thought about how I would feel after wearing CSK. It felt positive and I felt very happy. It felt different, like a different energy. I felt like a champion. I felt like, okay, wow,” he further added.

Since his debut in the IPL in 2013, Samson has so far mustered 4704 runs at an average of 30.94 in 172 innings. He also has three hundreds and 26 fifties to his name.

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