"Behaving like a champion or being arrogant…": Sanju Samson’s stunning remarks on MS Dhoni

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is nearing the halfway stage as teams have played six matches in the competition so far. Sanju Samson-starrer Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a tough start to their campaign, winning 2 games as of now in the league. The Men in Yellow have also been dealing with injuries.

The team’s most in-form batter, Ayush Mhatre, has recently been ruled out due to a hamstring tear, and previously, Khaleel Ahmed was also ruled out. The team’s star cricketer and the face of the CSK franchise, MS Dhoni, is yet to recover from the calf strain he suffered during the pre-season. Dhoni has started practising wicketkeeping in the nets; however, there is no clarity on his return.

A very different feeling for me- Sanju Samson on joining CSK

CSK will be facing the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their upcoming fixture at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Ahead of the MI vs CSK clash, the team’s star batter Sanju Samson has shared his feelings about playing for the five-time champions and how Dhoni's presence impacts the team. The MI vs CSK match is scheduled to take place on 23rd April, 2026.

"A very different feeling for me... a very star-studded kind of franchise I am involved in nowadays. So I feel a bit more responsible. I cannot easily throw away my wicket," Sanju Samson said at an event.

"Right after you throw away your wicket, you are walking into the airport and people are like, 'Chetta, play more carefully'. So I am getting very used to being a CSK player and I kind of settled in a bit too quickly, I feel."

Base values are set by Mahi bhai- Samson on MS Dhoni's impact

"Being a championship side isn't about behaving like a champion or being arrogant or something like that. The base values are set by Mahi bhai, and you can actually feel him in every team player and support staff," Sanju Samson added.

Sanju Samson has scored a 115 and a 48 in 6 matches for the franchise. He has not been able to shine much for his new franchise. Samson has taken the glovework in the absence of MS Dhoni. Dhoni is reported to be back for the MI game, and it will be interesting to watch who takes the wicket-keeping duties.

Ruturaj Gaikwad to be sacked as captain?

Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been struggling with form as he has not gone past the 30-run mark in the tournament, with his highest score being 28. He needs to get some runs and find his confidence back, as his captaincy has also been under par. They might be changing the leadership duties if Ruturaj fails to lead the team to the playoffs.

As in the previous season, Chennai finished at the bottom of the table with only four wins and 10 losses; it was their worst season in IPL history. This season also looks like a similar ending as the playoff chances are very slim for the Men in Yellow. They need to have a big turnaround to qualify for the next round.

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