Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni with Sanju Samson.
Credit: PTI Photo
Putting an end to days of anticipation, rumours and discussions, the Chennai Super Kings on Saturday, November 15, officially confirmed that Sanju Samson will wear their yellow jersey for upcoming season of the Indian Premiere League (IPL). The five-time champions have traded Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran ahead of IPL 2026.
"A transition in a team's journey is never easy. Trading out a player like Ravindra Jadeja, who has been an integral part of the franchise for more than a decade, and Sam Curran was one of the toughest decisions we have taken in the team's history," said CSK Managing Director KS Viswanathan.
Viswanathan added that the decision was taken based on "mutual understanding" with both Jadeja and Sam Curran. "We are deeply grateful for Jadeja's extraordinary contributions and the legacy he leaves behind. We wish both Jadeja and Curran the best for the future," Viswanathan said.
"We also welcome Sanju Samson, whose skill-set and achievements complement our ambitions. This decision has been made with great thought, respect, and a long-term vision," adds the CSK chief.
Samson has represented RR, the winners of the inaugural IPL in 2008, for 11 years and after the conclusion of this year's edition, the wicketkeeper-batter had admitted that he was looking for a change and wanted to be released by the franchise.
Jadeja, who was a member of the Rajasthan Royals in the first two IPL editions, has spent a majority of his career at Chennai Super Kings where he has not just been one of their frontline players, but was also promoted to captaincy when MS Dhoni stepped away from the role before the 2022 edition.
The 27-year-old England all-rounder Curran has been a part of CSK as well as Punjab Kings franchises.