During a conversation with Abhinav Mukund, Ruturaj Gaikwad revealed that he advised Sanju Samson to explore the opportunity to join Chennai Super Kings.
“I remember our conversation two-three years ago, when we were in England. You know, he was asking about what’s happening in CSK, how things are and all that. And I said, I think being a southern boy, you should explore this opportunity, you should stay here,” Ruturaj said.
I don’t know whether I was the first or not – Rituraj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad further said that Sanju Samson valued the franchise culture over future captaincy prospects when discussing a possible move. Gaikwad also said that he and Samson shared struggles within the Indian national cricket structure.
“I don’t know if I was the first person (to bring this up to him) but I mean, we’ve been friends for a long time and we’ve been in and out of the Indian team, we’ve had similar journeys, similar struggles.”
“So that’s what I expressed to him. When he asked would you be the next captain, the first thing I said to him… I said I don’t know, I don’t really care about captaincy, I love playing here, I love the atmosphere here,” Ruturaj said.
Sanju Samson replied, ‘I want to play under you’ – Ruturaj Gaikwad
Gaikwad shared that Sanju Samson rejected any captaincy aspirations for the Chennai Super Kings franchise. The captain said that Samson showed full willingness to contribute as a dedicated player.
“I like how the culture is and I’m really happy as a player as well. In fact, he immediately responded ‘I don’t want to be in a situation where I want to be the captain there, I want to play under you, it’s your team, it’s your franchise and I would be happy just being there as a player, but whenever I get a chance, I would definitely love to come,” he concluded.
Rituraj on Sanju pic.twitter.com/8c5z9Rx4l7
– Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) 28 March 2026
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