Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has finally reacted to his blockbuster move to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2026, and his message has left Rajasthan Royals (RR) fans emotional. Hours after the historic three-way trade, Sanju Samson shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, marking the end of a long and cherished chapter of his career.
Samson reflected on his journey with Rajasthan Royals and emphasized that he gave his best in every season, enjoyed unforgettable moments and built relationships that will stay with him throughout his life. He said that the franchise was never just a team, but it was a family.
Sanju Samson breaks silence on blockbuster CSK trade
The former RR captain also said that it is tough to say goodbye, but it is time for him to move on. The Kerala star thanked the franchise, players, staff and fans for everything they gave him during his IPL career with the Royals.
Also read: CSK issues official statement on Ravindra Jadeja’s exclusion from the team; secrets revealed
Sanju Samson shared a picture from his debut season and wrote in the caption: “We’re only here for a short time “Given our all to this franchise, enjoyed some great cricket, made some lifelong relationships, treated everyone at the franchise as my family…and when the time comes…I’m moving on…Will always be grateful for everything @RajasthanRoyals.”
Manoj Badale bids a warm goodbye to Sanju Samson
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale shared a heartfelt message for Sanju Samson as he is all set to start his new chapter with CSK. Badale thanked the Indian wicketkeeper for everything he has done for the Royals family on and off the field.
Cricbuzz quoted Manoj Badale as saying, “Sanju joined us for trials when he was just 17, becoming one of our youngest RR captains, and since then, he has been an integral part of the Royals family for over a decade, inspiring everyone around him.
His chapter with us has been one of faith, talent and heart. Sanju has been an exceptional ambassador of our values, and we thank him for everything he has done for the Royals family.
Also read: Ravindra Jadeja breaks silence after leaving CSK, joins Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson’s journey with Rajasthan Royals
Samson’s journey with Rajasthan Royals has been one of the most memorable in IPL history. He joined the franchise in 2013 as a teenage and fearless batsman. The Kerala star made an immediate impact by winning the Emerging Player of the Season award in his debut year.
Samson is the highest run-scorer in the history of Royals, having scored 4,027 runs in 149 IPL matches at an impressive average of 31.70 and a strong strike rate of 141.24. The right-handed batsman is the player who has represented RR for the most number of seasons. He played 11 seasons for the Royals and spent two seasons with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).
As captain, Samson led the Royals to 33 wins in 66 matches, the most by any RR captain in IPL history. He also scored around 200 runs for the team in the Champions League T20. His best IPL season came in 2024, when he scored 531 runs at an average of 48.27 with a blistering strike rate of 153.46 and helped the Royals reach the IPL final in 2022, their second appearance in the title clash. However, under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya, they lost the title to Gujarat Titans.
