Sanju Samson’s red-hot run of form has put Chennai Super Kings in a strong position in the race for the playoffs of IPL 2026. Brought into the CSK set-up via a major trade involving the Rajasthan Royals, Samson has carried the same attacking batting confidence that helped him win the T20 World Cup “Player of the Tournament” award earlier this year. Through his first 10 appearances this season, he has piled up over 400 runs, including two hundreds—one against Delhi Capitals and another versus Mumbai Indians.
In his most recent match, Samson stayed unbeaten on 87 as CSK finished the game on a winning note, moving within 13 runs of a third century of the campaign. That innings came against Delhi Capitals, underlining his growing influence at the top of the order. With those big scores setting the tone, CSK’s batting unit has looked far more dangerous whenever Samson gets going.
Quick facts
- Sanju Samson has more than 400 runs in 10 IPL 2026 matches.
- He has scored two centuries so far: vs Delhi Capitals and vs Mumbai Indians.
- Samson was 13 runs short of a third century in his latest outing, finishing unbeaten on 87.
- He has spoken publicly about why he is not leading CSK this season.
- He backed Ruturaj Gaikwad, saying Gaikwad shows calm and confidence as a captain.
- Samson revealed Gaikwad initiated the trade with Rajasthan Royals.
Since Samson’s arrival at Chepauk, there has been persistent talk about whether he would eventually step in to take charge from Ruturaj Gaikwad. That speculation has now been answered. The 31-year-old has said the idea of captaining CSK simply did not form in his mind after he joined the franchise, and he explained his rationale behind that mindset.
Speaking on the Super Kings podcast, Samson made it clear that he arrived with a different focus. “No, whether the thought of becoming the CSK captain entered my head—no,” he said. He added that he already had both a role and a home before the move, and that when you try to settle into a new franchise, you don’t do it with expectations or demands.
Samson further described the mentality of joining a fresh environment as an act of trust rather than negotiation. He said, in essence, that you are trying to move into a new home, and therefore you should not approach the transfer with demands. For him, the transaction was about embracing the opportunity and earning his place through performance.
Malayali roots and a “give everything” approach
Samson also drew attention to his Malayali background, explaining how it shapes the way he goes about his cricket responsibilities. He said that his roots have influenced him to show his best for the team while expecting nothing in return. In his view, it is about proving your worth through maximum effort and letting actions speak louder than promises.
He pointed out that Chennai has many Malayalis, and that the same is true in Dubai as well. Samson suggested that this shared community connection is part of the reason Malayalis often get chosen in different set-ups—because they are willing to repay faith with hard work. “CSK have trusted me and invited me here. I am ready to give my everything here,” he said, spelling out the commitment he wants to bring to the franchise.
On the leadership front, Samson went a step further by offering his full backing to Gaikwad. He highlighted what he sees as the CSK skipper’s steadiness and leadership qualities, even if Gaikwad does not always come across in a loud, superstar-style manner. Samson believes that Gaikwad carries a level of assurance that can be felt through his decisions on the field.
Samson described Gaikwad as a “very nice” and “very different kind” of Indian cricketing figure—someone who leads one of the biggest franchises yet does not behave like a typical superstar. He said Gaikwad may not sound or act like a conventional confident personality, but in his assessment, Gaikwad is among the most assured and confident cricketers in Indian cricket.
To illustrate the point, Samson contrasted his own experience with Gaikwad’s. “Any other person at his level, he just captained a franchise for one year,” Samson said. “I have done it for another team for five years. So, he suddenly invited me to play on his team.” He added that Gaikwad’s self-belief—and the willingness to take bold actions—are what make him an appealing leader.
Samson also commented on the difference between talk and execution in modern sport. He said that while people often speak about what they will do, it is actions that matter most. In that context, he described Gaikwad’s move to bring him into the CSK fold as an example of intent backed by decision-making.
Finally, Samson revealed a key detail behind the trade: he said it was Gaikwad himself who reached out to Rajasthan Royals to kick-start the process. That revelation ties together Samson’s earlier message about trust—suggesting the captain’s role in the move was not just about strategy, but about confidence in how the partnership could shape CSK’s season.
