Sanju Samson has revealed that he never demanded the captaincy from Chennai Super Kings after joining the franchise ahead of IPL 2026.
Samson was part of one of the biggest transfers in IPL history when CSK signed him for ₹18 crore from Rajasthan Royals. Despite his extensive captaincy experience with Rajasthan, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter entered a dressing room already being led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who had taken over the captaincy from MS Dhoni.
Many fans and experts viewed Samson as a natural long-term successor to Dhoni because of his popularity in South India, strong standing in the Indian team setup, and proven leadership credentials in the IPL. However, speaking on a recent Super Kings podcast alongside former India batter Abhinav Mukund, Samson said he approached the move with a completely different mindset.
“No. I already had a team. I already had a place. I wanted to come out of there and join another team. So in that transaction, you can’t actually have demands,” Samson said.
“Honestly, you are trying to get into a new home. When you’re trying to get into a new home, you don’t go there with demands, is what I have learned to be very honest.”
The 31-year-old added that his focus was on earning trust through performances and commitment rather than seeking leadership responsibilities immediately.
“You go there, and you try to prove your worth. You try to behave the way you are, perform at your maximum, and from there you take on,” he explained.
Samson also spoke emotionally about the connection Malayalis share with Chennai and Dubai, saying loyalty and gratitude are core traits of the community.
“A lot of Malayalis work in Chennai. A lot of Malayalis work in Dubai. The reason you are picking Malayalis is that they will give their life to repay the trust. CSK have trusted me and invited me here. I am ready to give my everything here,” he added.
Samson has certainly repaid that faith with a sensational debut season for CSK. The stylish right-hander has been one of the franchise’s standout performers in IPL 2026, scoring 402 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 167, including two centuries and an unbeaten 87.
