IPL 2026 | Samson rises to the challenge as Super Kings get going, at last

When Chennai Super Kings signed Sanju Samson ahead of this IPL in a trade from Rajasthan Royals, it was the culmination of a long-cherished dream for both sides. Since its inception, CSK has been built around M.S. Dhoni, and the former skipper will continue to be the team’s flag-bearer.

But time waits for none, and Dhoni is probably in the final lap of his illustrious career. In Samson, there is one cricketer who comes close to being ready to carry that legacy forward. For starters, the 31-year-old hails from Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram — a coastal town that is culturally and geographically closer to Chennai. More importantly, his swashbuckling style of play, while still maintaining a calm demeanour on the field, sits well with the team’s ethos.