‘Chilled out’ CSK in building phase; players don’t roam as 5-time champions: Sanju Samson
NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson is prepared for an enormous problem. With MS Dhoni dominated out for 2 weeks on account of a calf muscle pressure, Samson will don the retaining gloves and open the innings for the five-time champions. He was seen spending time with Dhoni, interacting with him, taking suggestions, and sharing the nets, and can now be keen to start his new journey in yellow. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will kick off their IPL 2026 marketing campaign in opposition to Rajasthan Royals on the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Monday.
“Feels really good, feels really excited to be part of a champion franchise. Lots to learn, lots to observe, and really excited, really very calm. I think this is something that I relate to very much. I think I am a very chilled-out person, very calm, but when it comes to business, I think we give our everything,” he stated in a video shared by the franchise.
Despite the franchise’s success, Samson, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals to CSK final 12 months, highlighted a dressing room setting that mirrors his personal temperament — calm, composed, and quietly targeted.
“I can see in the dressing room people are calm, people are chilled out. They don’t roam around as 5-time IPL champions. I think they don’t roam around as the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen. But that’s what I really like to be a part of, and I am very happy that I am part of that kind of culture. And still early days, still looking forward to a lot of exciting things,” he stated.
He additionally hinted at a transition section inside the squad, suggesting that the present section is a part of a well-planned rebuild.
“I think I would like to call it ‘very well planned’, actually. So yeah, very excited to play RR, looking forward to it,” he stated.
Facing Rajasthan Royals right away provides an emotional subplot, and Samson expects the gang in Guwahati to as soon as once more tilt closely in CSK’s favour.
“I think last time when we played RR vs CSK in Guwahati, it didn’t feel like an RR home game. It was yellow all over the stadium. So that’s what we can expect again this time. And also, I think the passion of the crowds – I think they bring up a lot of energy. I think very passionate crowds in Guwahati are what I expect. And I think the wicket also plays well and we get a good game of cricket,” he talked about.
Samson additionally spoke in regards to the youthful power in the squad and the fearless mindset they create.
“CSK is definitely in a building phase, and that’s what our recruitment has also been. So the number, definitely, the age is definitely much less. But in the amount of sixes these guys are hitting, they don’t actually look like youngsters anymore. So I think that’s what the character of the mindset is; it’s required in this format and in this hype. Just be free and go out there and express yourself with a lot of fearlessness. I think that’s what youngsters bring in, and we all are “very excited to play with them.”
Looking ahead to the tournament, Samson described the IPL as a festival for fans.
“I believe we’re all prepared for an additional competition season. So I don’t must say that we’re going to do that or we’re going to do this. I believe undoubtedly two months of IPL cricket for Chennai followers all around the world. It’s a terrific competition. So allow us to all come collectively and luxuriate in a terrific competition season of cricket. And we are going to strive our greatest to place some smiles in your faces by profitable a number of video games,” he concluded.
CSK are five-time IPL champions, having received titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Rajasthan Royals, alternatively, received the inaugural version in 2008 and haven’t lifted the trophy since.
