Sanju Samson asks Ruturaj Gaikwad to win IPL trophy for CSK or else...

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has opened up about playing under Ruturaj Gaikwad for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The Kerala-born cricketer stated that Ruturaj Gaikwad is his good friend, adding that he wants to be with him as a leader.

Samson moved from Rajasthan Royals (RR) to the Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The Royals received Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in return. He will play with Ruturaj for the first time in the league. Notably, Gaikwad was dismissed for a golden duck on his IPL debut after being stumped by Samson.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Is a Good Friend of Mine - Sanju Samson

In an interview promo shared by Chennai Super Kings on X (formerly known as Twitter), Sanju Samson spoke about his rapport with Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson said that Gaikwad is a close friend and expressed his desire to play under his leadership, adding that he wants to be part of a team led by him.

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"Rutu is a good friend of mine. I want to play under his captaincy. I want to be with him as a leader," Samson said.

Samson, who captained Rajasthan Royals in recent years, will not lead Chennai Super Kings. CSK have confirmed that Ruturaj will remain captain for the 2026 season. Samson will focus on strengthening the squad as he begins his stint with his new franchise.

There Is a Person Called MS Dhoni - Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson said that he feels fortunate to have joined one of the biggest teams in IPL history. The batter stated that he has many friends, and everyone knows legendary wicketkeeper MS Dhoni.

"I am very fortunate that I ended up in one of the biggest franchise in IPL history. I have a lot of friends, but there is a person, everyone knows him. There is a person called MS Dhoni," Samson stated.

Getting Super Exclusive with Super Chettan! 💛

An interview coming your way, straight from the heart of Sanju Samson!
Full episode today at 6PM 📺🥳#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/2gbR8mdtMU

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 21, 2025

Make Chennai Super Kings Win One More Trophy - Sanju Samson

Samson urged fans to embrace his new team, saying they are now part of the Chennai Super Kings family. He encouraged them to wear the yellow colours and back the side in their push for another IPL trophy.

"I will not tell you that you should start supporting CSK from tomorrow; I will tell you that from today, we are a part of the CSK family. Everybody wear the yellow jersey and make Chennai Super Kings win one more trophy," Samson added.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was retained by the franchise ahead of the 2021 season. The right-handed batter amassed 635 runs in 16 matches, including a century and four fifties. He played a major part in CSK’s title win.

CSK lifted the trophy again in 2023. Ruturaj scored 590 runs from 15 innings, including four more half-centuries. Gaikwad has been one of the side’s most reliable batters. He has scored 2,502 runs in 71 matches at an average above 40 and a strike rate close to 137, including two centuries and 20 half-centuries.

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