Sanju Samson Joins Chennai Super Kings, Becomes 3rd Royals Captain in IPL

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 30, 2026 11:11 AM ET

Sanju Samson Joins Chennai Super Kings, Becomes 3rd Royals Captain in IPL

Sanju Samson took the field for Chennai Super Kings at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium on March 30, 2026. The move followed an Rs. 18 crore trade from Rajasthan Royals.

Samson had spent 12 seasons with Rajasthan Royals. He scored more than 4,000 runs for the franchise and left as their highest run-scorer.

Captaincy and legacy at Rajasthan

He was named Rajasthan captain in 2021. Under his leadership, RR reached the 2022 IPL final and made the 2024 playoffs.

Samson captained 67 matches for the Royals. He won 33 of those games.

Why he moved

After India’s 2026 T20 World Cup win, Samson spoke briefly in a PTI video. “I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over,” he said.

Sanju Samson Joins Chennai Super Kings in a high-profile deal. The transfer marks a new chapter in his IPL career.

Following Watson and Rahane

He becomes the third former Royals skipper to play for CSK. Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane preceded him in making that switch.

Becomes 3rd Royals Captain in IPL is a notable milestone for Samson. Both Watson and Rahane had strong ties to Rajasthan before moving on.

Watson and Rahane: brief record

Shane Watson was RR’s MVP in the 2008 title campaign.
Watson won the Player of the Tournament award again in 2013.
He captained RR in 21 matches between 2008 and 2015.
Watson recorded seven wins and 11 losses as RR captain.
Ajinkya Rahane captained 24 matches for RR, with nine wins.
Both players later enjoyed success at Chennai Super Kings.

Impact at CSK and wider context

Watson famously scored a century in the 2018 final to help CSK win the title. Rahane joined CSK in 2023 and contributed to their fifth championship.

According to available reports, Watson and Rahane are now with Kolkata Knight Riders. Watson serves as an assistant coach, while Rahane holds a leadership role.