Sanju Samson (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson enjoyed a stellar ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and played a key role in India’s title run. After an impressive campaign, the wicketkeeper-palter is now focusing on a new challenge – the IPL – and that too with a new team, the Chennai Super Kings.Samson, who represented Rajasthan Royals for more than a decade, will don the colors of CSK in IPL 2026 after being traded last year. The right-hander will also share a dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni.
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CSK is organizing a fan engagement event in Chepauk ahead of IPL 2026Recently, during an exhibition match between CSK veterans and current players, Samson faced the great Muttiah Muralitharan – a moment that fans found both special and emotional.With Samson at the crease, Dhoni behind the stumps and Muralitharan bowling, the atmosphere was electrifying with every delivery.Samson saved the first ball from Muralitharan and then blocked the second one as well. On the third delivery, he came down the track looking for a big hit but missed it completely, with Dhoni collecting the ball and almost causing a stumble.The near-dismissal was followed by a shared laugh between Samson and Dhoni that delighted the crowd.Samson made sure he didn’t miss another opportunity as he came back strongly and smashed Muralitharan for a big six.After the match, Dhoni felicitated T20 World Cup winner Samson, Shivam Dube and U-19 World Cup winning captain Ayush Mhatre during CSK’s pre-season fan event in Chepauk. As part of the celebrations, he handed over special souvenirs.India clinched the FIFA T20 World Cup 2026 title with a dominant 96-run victory over the New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad. It was India’s third T20 World Cup title, having previously won in 2007 and 2024.Five-time champions CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30. CSK last lifted the IPL trophy in 2023 and finished at the bottom of the points table last season.
