IPL 2026: Sanju Samson on his trade move to CSK - 'Since last five months, I have been waiting for this day'
Sanju Samson's move to Chennai Super Kings is arguably a defining moment in the franchise's history. The five-time champions made what arguably was the biggest trade deal ever, as they snapped up Samson for Rs 18 crore, while letting go of veteran Ravindra Jadeja and all-rounder Sam Curran. Ever since the announcements were made on November 15, CSK and Samson have ruled the trends on social media.
Even before it became official, it was evident that Samson was heading to the Chennai franchise and the last two weeks have been a roller-coaster ride for the fans and Samson as well. The trade process between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals had reportedly begun shortly after IPL 2025 but it took a while for things to get sorted.
"The last 15 days have been exciting for you all from CSK's side but for me, the last five months have been really exciting," said Samson in an exclusive interview on CSK's official YouTube channel.
"I have been waiting for this day and I am very fortunate that I am going to wear the Yellow jersey."
Unlike many superstars who give cliched statements about their new clubs, Samson was very honest about his feelings about the Super Kings. Once he had made up his mind to move away from the Royals, CSK was the priority for him, which is why he didn't opt to go for the auctions. However, this love and adulation for the franchise didn't come overnight for the 31-year-old.
"I believe in destiny, I believe in timing. I believe in sudden intuitive decision-making which I always do in my life. So I am very fortunate that I ended up in one of the biggest franchises in IPL history. I am very happy that things have turned out this way. I am very excited."
Officially, it's taken more than a decade for Samson to join CSK but his connection with Chennai has always been there. The city has given him plenty of memories and bonds, right from his childhood and now, Samson had added a new chapter to his life. That is why he has a special message for his Tamil fans.
"When I was young, I used to go to Chennai to play cricket. I have lot of friends there, also Malayalam and Tamil are very close actually. In my house, we watch a lot of Tamil movies. A lot of people speak Tamil and I have grown up hearing all that. I have lot of Tamil friends. CSK is the closest place for people in Kerala."
"I don't speak Tamil that often but when I come in touch with people from Tamil Nadu, the language comes automatically and from now on, it will be come out a lot more often I believe."
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