Destiny has got me to come and play with MS Dhoni at CSK: Sanju Samson

Published - 21 Nov 2025, 23:02 IST | Updated - 21 Nov 2025, 23:19 IST

Sanju Samson is waiting eagerly to join the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Apart from playing for a champion franchise, the Kerala wicketkeeper-batter will get the opportunity to share the dressing room with the legendary MS Dhoni, something he is waiting for with bated breath.

Samson was traded to CSK by Rajasthan Royals in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The 31-year-old believes that it was his destiny to play alongside MS Dhoni. He also recalled his first interaction with the former Indian captain and hoped to create more memories with him during his stint at CSK.

“There’s one person there, everyone knows him. The person called MS Dhoni. I first met him when I was 19 and got selected in the Indian team for the first time. I went for a UK tour Mahi Bhai was the captain. I saw him for the first time and interacted with him for 10-20 days. After that I used to see him during the IPL. There will always be a crowd in front of him. Five people here, 10 people there. I used to think ‘ OK I can’t meet him here, I will have to meet him separately,” said Samson in a video shared by CSK on their YouTube Channel.

“I had such a desire. Destiny has got me to come and play with him in one dressing room. That couple of months. I’m very excited to meet and interact with him. Sit have breakfast with him, practice with him, play with him. Wow! Just thinking about it makes me very happy,” he added.

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Bringing Samson on board is a sign that CSK are preparing themselves for life after Dhoni's retirement. The 44-year-old Dhoni is at the twilight of his career, and Samson could be the perfect player to don the wicketkeeper-batter's role at the franchise after the stalwart bids farewell to the game.