Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson has finally addressed the growing chatter surrounding his long-term role with Chennai Super Kings, making it clear that he is fully committed to playing under captain Ruturaj Gaikwad despite speculation linking him with the franchise’s future captaincy role.In one of the biggest deals ahead of IPL 2026, Samson left Rajasthan Royals for CSK, a move many believe is part of the franchise’s succession planning with MS Dhoni nearing the end of his illustrious IPL career.
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Akeal Hosein emphasizes discipline over goalsWhen Dhoni was sidelined with an injury before the season, Samson immediately stepped into the wicketkeeping duties and enjoyed a stellar campaign. The stylish opener scored 430 runs in 11 innings at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of 169.29, including two hundreds and a fifty.‘I will play for my captain Ruturaj’On the Super Kings podcast, Samson dismissed suggestions that he had come to CSK expecting management.“I am here to play for my team. I will play for my captain Ruturaj. I will play for my coach Stephen Fleming,” said Samson.The Kerala batsman also revealed the strong bond he shares with Gaikwad on and off the field.“The friendship between Ruta and I can also be seen when we are in the field. We both work on it together,” he added.‘I love being with Mahi bhai’Samson also opened up about his admiration for Dhoni and said that he makes it a point to spend time with the CSK legend whenever possible.“I love to be with Mahi bhai wherever possible. Whenever I come here, I try to make time to meet him in his room,” revealed Samson.His comments coincided with CSK registering their third straight win by beating Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in Chepauk on Sunday.Urvil Patel’s record blitz drives CSKYoungster Urvil Patel stole the show with a breathtaking 13-ball fifty – the fastest half-century in IPL history – before smashing 65 off just 23 balls.CSK ended up chasing 208 with four balls to spare, thanks to late strikes from impact player Prashant Veer. The win lifted the five-time champions to fifth place and kept their play-off hopes firmly alive.
