CSK, Rajasthan Royals both claim stakes on Sanju Samson's birthday, deadlock arises
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The two well-known IPL franchises, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, continue their fight over Sanju Samson despite a deal being finalized between the two teams. The two teams shower praises on the veteran's birthday.
The Indian wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson made his debut in the IPL back in 2013 with the Rajasthan Royals as a young 19-year-old cricketer. He stayed with the Royals for three seasons and scored 750 runs for the Royals, averaging nearly 25.
After being a convincing performer, he moved to the Delhi Daredevils in 2016 and played two seasons for the Daredevils. He looked promising for the Delhi-based franchise, scoring runs convincingly and a great hundred in 2017, before following the trail back to the Royals.
CSK and Rajasthan Royals wish Sanju Samson on his birthday
Ever since Sanju Samson joined the Rajasthan Royals in 2018, he has been a crucial part of the franchise. He has been a convincing run-scorer since 2018, having scored 441, 342, 375, 484, 458, 362, 531, and 258 runs over the last 8 seasons.
Playing for the Royals, he has scored 4027 runs with 2 centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name and a strike rate that looms around 140. Samson undoubtedly is one of the finest to have played on their side; however, every good thing comes to an end someday, and so does Samson's story with the Royals.
Reportedly, Samson is making a move to CSK ahead of the upcoming season, and the Super Kings have already showered wishes on his birthday through a social media post on X. The post was captioned with, "More power to you, Sanju! Wishing you a super birthday!"
More power to you, Sanju! Wishing you a super birthday! 🥳💛#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/f2lE6pWkPy
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 11, 2025
Sanju Samson to bolster CSK's top-order
Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja's swap deal has been finalized, while Sam Curran will also make a move from CSK to the Royals as a part of the deal. The Royals have clearly strengthened their middle-order batting to support Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag.
Sam Curran also brings some overs of left-arm pace bowling, as he is still remembered as England's Player of the Tournament during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup. However, CSK's Sanju Samson deal seems more of a strategic decision as they aim at another top-order option and a long-term successor to veteran MS Dhoni.
Samson might be slotted in the opening or the no. 3 spot with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre being the other two. All three of these batters can and have played both as openers and as a no. 3 in the IPL and on their domestic teams.
Rajasthan Royals fans think the birthday post is a 'Thank You' post confirming Samson's exit
The Rajasthan Royals also congratulated Sanju Samson on his birthday with an Instagram post. However, many Rajasthan Royals fans considered that as a goodbye or thank you post for the cricketer who did so much for the Royals.
Some expected to get some clarity over the status of the Sanju-Jadeja-Curran trade deal between the two franchises, as nothing has been made official by either of the teams as of yet. Though it has been confirmed that the process has been initiated, and it is only a matter of time, as the deal requires the ECB's involvement.
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