India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has finally spoken about his move to the Chennai Super Kings, following the franchise’s high-profile trade with the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Chennai shared a video on their social media channels showing Samson wearing the iconic ‘yellow jersey’ for the first time.
In the clip, Samson described the experience of joining CSK as surreal, having spent years facing them as an opponent. He called the moment long-awaited and truly special, saying:
“I have been waiting for this day. And I’m very fortunate that I’m going to wear the yellow jersey.”
Sanju Samson, one of the most seasoned players in IPL history, has played 177 matches and is set to join CSK, marking only the third franchise of his career. Since his IPL debut in 2013, he has mostly represented Rajasthan Royals, except for the 2016 and 2017 seasons when he played for Delhi Capitals.
“I am always in my dark colours, but yellow, definitely I think it’s a great feeling,” said Samson as he donned the CSK No. 11. “To wear that jersey, I think, 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 wearing that jersey. I felt like a champion. I felt like Okay, wow.”
"Felt like a champion.” – Sanju
In Yellove, the spirit chooses you 💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/Eh4S0G5Am9— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 19, 2025
CSK Signs Samson To Fill Dhoni’s Role, Jadeja And Curran Released In Trade Deal
Chennai Super Kings have signed Samson, who is expected to take over the role left by the legendary MS Dhoni. As part of a trade deal with the Rajasthan Royals, they have released two all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The IPL announcement last Sunday also stated that Jadeja’s fee has been reduced from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore, while Samson will join CSK at his existing fee of ₹18 crore.
“Jadeja, who played for CSK for 12 seasons, is among the most experienced players in the league, having played over 250 games. As part of the trade agreement, his league fee has been revised from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore,” said the advisory.
“Rajasthan Royals captain and India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will now represent Chennai Super Kings at his existing league fee of ₹18 crore.”
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