In-form Sanju Samson reckons that his time at Rajasthan Royals was over and it was a perfect time for him to start a new journey in the IPL. Samson made his IPL debut for RR back in 2013. The right-hander was part of the then Delhi Daredevils squad in 2016 and 2017, when Royals were banned for two IPL seasons because of corruption charges.

He rejoined RR back in 2018 and delivered consistently for the inaugural champions. Sanju Samson was appointed captain of the Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2021. Meanwhile, Samson has scored 4704 runs in 177 IPL matches at an average of 177 and a strike rate of 139.04.

“This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don’t let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we come up against them now, I will play my best cricket,” Samson said in an interview with PTI.

Meanwhile, Samson has been in rich form and he would look to carry the same in the forthcoming tournament.

Samson returned with scores of 97(50), 89(42), and 89(46) in the virtual quarterfinals, semifinal and final of the T20 World Cup, respectively. The right-hander was awarded Player of the tournament after he scored 321 runs in five matches at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.38.

CSK will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the inaugural champions Rajasthan Royals, at Guwahati on 30th March.