Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan made a surprising revelation about Sanju Samson ahead of the IPL 2026 season opener against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Viswanathan admitted that he has had very little direct interaction with the star wicketkeeper-batsman since his plying his trade in Chennai.
Samson joined the Super Kings after a trade with Rajasthan Royals, who got Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The 31-year-old has experience, having scored 4,704 runs in 177 Indian Premier League matches. However, the franchise management is avoiding putting unnecessary pressure on them.
We do not want to put any pressure on Sanju Samson – Kasi Vishwanathan
Speaking to RevSportz, Kasi Viswanathan said that he likes to maintain a respectful distance from players, including Sanju Samson, during practice sessions. Kasi said that he has full confidence in the wicketkeeper-batsman’s abilities.
“As far as Sanju is concerned, we don’t want to put any pressure on him because we know his abilities. I haven’t spent much time talking to him yet because I met him only a few days ago. During practice, I don’t want to disturb the players. I am confident that Sanju will be a big asset for us with his ability and current form.”
Samson is expected to integrate naturally into the relaxed environment of Chennai Super Kings. Despite limited interaction with management, he already feels strong support from the enthusiastic local fans.
That was just the beginning – Kasi Viswanathan
Kasi Viswanathan highlighted the incredible welcome Sanju Samson received from the famously loyal CSK supporters. The CEO recalled that Sanju Samson received a huge cheer when he opened the batting for India against Zimbabwe during the World Cup.
Vishwanathan said, “The response has been fantastic. For example, when he opened the batting for India against Zimbabwe in Chennai in the World Cup, he was welcomed so warmly that even he seemed surprised by the support. This was just the beginning.”
“Then we had a pre-launch for CSK in Chennai on the 22nd. Even at that time, when Sanju came, he got a tremendous welcome, which must have encouraged him.”
Exclusive: Conversation with Kasi Viswanathan @boriamjumdar
The Chennai Super Kings CEO spoke on Sanju Samson and his wicketkeeping prospects in Dhoni’s absence in the first two weeks of the IPL.
He also shared his thoughts on Samson being a fan favorite and… pic.twitter.com/goUkAoFgSZ– RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) 30 March 2026
Remarkable performance of Sanju Samson before IPL 2026
Sanju Samson joins Chennai Super Kings after an exceptional performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he won the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.
He initially faced severe criticism after scoring just 46 runs in the home series against New Zealand. Samson was also left out for India’s opening World Cup match, and Ishan Kishan took the gloves.
However, the Kerala cricketer silenced his critics by playing three consecutive match-winning innings in the knockout stage. Samson scored an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against West Indies in the virtual quarter-final.
After this he scored 89 runs out of 42 against England in the semi-finals and 89 runs out of 46 against New Zealand in the final. This right-handed batsman was the highest run scorer for India in the World Cup.
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