Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson enjoyed a stellar ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, playing a key role in India’s title triumph. After an impressive campaign, the wicketkeeper-batter now shifts focus to a new challenge — the IPL — and that too with a new team, Chennai Super Kings.Having represented Rajasthan Royals for over a decade, Samson will don CSK colours in IPL 2026 after being traded last year. The right-hander will also share the dressing room with legendary MS Dhoni.
Recently, during an exhibition match between CSK veterans and current players, Samson faced off against spin great Muttiah Muralitharan — a moment that fans found both special and emotional.With Samson at the crease, Dhoni behind the stumps, and Muralitharan bowling, the atmosphere grew electric with every delivery.Samson defended the first ball from Muralitharan, and then blocked the second as well. On the third delivery, he stepped down the track looking for a big hit but missed it completely, with Dhoni collecting the ball and nearly effecting a stumping.The near-dismissal was followed by a shared laugh between Samson and Dhoni, delighting the crowd.Samson made sure not to miss the next opportunity, as he came back strongly to smash Muralitharan for a big six.After the match, Dhoni honoured T20 World Cup winners Samson, Shivam Dube, and U-19 World Cup-winning captain Ayush Mhatre during a CSK pre-season fan event at Chepauk. He presented special mementoes as part of the celebrations.India clinched the T20 World Cup 2026 title with a dominant 96-run win over New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad. It was India’s third T20 World Cup title, having previously won in 2007 and 2024.The five-time champions CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on March 30. CSK last lifted the IPL trophy in 2023 and had finished at the bottom of the points table last season.
