Sanju Samson: Rajasthan Royals means the world to me

Dubai: Rumours about Sanju Samson potentially parting ways with the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2026 IPL season continue to gain traction. While nothing has been officially confirmed, strong whispers suggest that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are leading contenders to land the star batter, should he decide to move.

However, in a recent conversation with teammate R Ashwin, Samson opened up about his emotional bond with the Royals, expressing deep gratitude and loyalty towards the franchise. “Rajasthan Royals is like family to me,” he said. “When I was just a young boy from a small village in Kerala, eager to prove myself, Rahul Dravid sir and Manoj Badale sir gave me a chance. They believed in my abilities at a time when I was still finding my feet in professional cricket. That trust shaped my career. The memories and experiences I’ve had here are priceless, and I’m truly thankful for them.”

Samson began his IPL journey with the Royals in 2013 and was appointed captain in 2021. Under his leadership, the team came close to securing their second IPL title in 2022, ultimately falling short in the final against Gujarat Titans. Over the years, he has emerged as the face of the franchise, with consistent performances and over 4,000 runs to his name across 144 matches.

Beyond his IPL contributions, Samson has become a regular in India’s T20I setup and is expected to play a key role in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which will also be held in the T20 format.