Sanju Samson is all set to begin a new chapter of his IPL career in 2026 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After being traded from Rajasthan Royals for ₹18 crore, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter is now preparing to share the dressing room with the one cricketer he always admired the most – MS Dhoni.
Ahead of the season, CSK released a special interview on their YouTube channel in which Samson spoke from the heart about his long-time dream of learning from Dhoni and staying close to his cricketing idol.
Samson recalled his very first interaction with Dhoni when he was just 19 years old and newly selected in the Indian team. Their meeting happened during the UK tour, where Samson spent nearly two weeks with the legendary captain.
He said that even though he saw Dhoni several times in the IPL, actually getting personal time with him was rare due to the constant crowd and attention around MSD.
“You always feel there is one special person on the cricket field – MS Dhoni,” Samson said.
“I met him for the first time at 19 during the UK tour. After that, I would only see him from a distance in the IPL because there was always a crowd around him. To spend real time with him, you need a different moment.”
“This Feels Like a Dream Come True” — Samson
Talking about joining CSK, Samson said the emotions are hard to describe. The thought of dressing up, practising, travelling, and playing alongside Dhoni is something he always wished for.
“Sharing the CSK dressing room with Dhoni feels like a dream come true,” he said.
“I always wanted to learn from him closely. Now destiny has brought me to the same dressing room. For the next two months, I will get to train, practice, eat and spend time with him. I am extremely happy.”
Samson also added that wearing the CSK jersey for the first time made him feel like a champion.
With 177 IPL matches, 4700+ runs, three centuries, and strong leadership experience with Rajasthan Royals, Samson brings maturity and stability to CSK squad. The franchise sees him as a long-term investment and an important part of their future leadership group.
His ability to play attacking cricket in the middle order and guide youngsters makes him a perfect fit for CSK team culture, which has always been built around calmness, experience, and sharp decision-making.
For CSK supporters, Samson joining the camp is more than just a big trade – it is the beginning of a new era. With Dhoni likely playing one of his final few seasons, fans will be excited to see a senior Indian player like Samson learn closely from him, carry forward the legacy, and bring strong batting depth.
Sanju Samson heartfelt words show just how big this moment is for him personally and professionally. From watching Dhoni as a teenager to sharing the same dressing room in IPL 2026 – the journey has come full circle.
