Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson shared a heartfelt message on social media for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) after his move to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was officially announced on Saturday, November 15. The 31-year-old’s second spell with the franchise came to an end just before the IPL 2026 retention deadline.
Samson first joined RR in 2013 and spent three seasons with them before moving to the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) for two years. He returned to Rajasthan in 2018 and later took over the captaincy from Steve Smith in the 2021 season.
He played a crucial role in reshaping the side during the mega auction ahead of IPL 2022 and led the team to the final that year, where they finished as runners-up to the Gujarat Titans (GT). His leadership continued to shine, guiding RR to the playoffs again in the 2024 season.
After spending 11 years with the franchise, Samson thanked the team as he now steps into a new chapter of his career.
“We are only here for a short period of time. Gave MY everything to this franchise,enjoyed some great cricket,made some lifetime relations,treated everyone in the franchise as my family.. And when its time..I AM moving On..Shall always be grateful for everything,” Samson wrote on his Instagram account.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DREL–vkRsM/?igsh=OXVtcnp2aXAzYW5s
Sanju Samson Featured In 149 IPL Matches For Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2013 against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Jaipur, where he scored an unbeaten 27 to help the team secure a six-wicket victory. Over the years, he went on to represent the franchise in 149 matches, amassing 4027 runs at an average of 31.71 and a strike rate of 141.25.
He departs RR as the franchise’s all-time leading run-scorer, comfortably ahead of Ajinkya Rahane in second place. As captain, Samson oversaw 67 matches, winning 33 of them, and finished with a win percentage of 49.25.
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