Indian wicketkeeper-batsman sanju samson He has revealed why he never asked for the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after joining the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. The Kerala batsman said that leadership is a responsibility that should be handed over by the management rather than demanded by a player.
Samson joins the five-time champions in a blockbuster trade with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran ahead of IPL 2026. The move comes after spending five seasons as the captain of Rajasthan Royals, where he led the franchise.
Samson reflected on his journey as captain and explained why he was happy to leave the role behind to focus solely on his batting.
“I have really started to enjoy captaincy at RR. It's a different skill, and I was getting better at it every year. By the fourth year of captaincy, I had a clear idea of what it takes to lead a team in the IPL and T20. I was thoroughly enjoying it. But more than that, I wanted to enjoy cricket more. If the environment changes and no longer suits you, it's okay to move on. Captaincy is not something you have to do.” It's something you have to ask for because people believe in you,” Samson said on JioStar's Superstar show.
Samson captained Rajasthan Royals in 67 IPL matches between 2021 and 2025, winning 33 and losing 32, while one game ended in a tie and the other had no result.
The right-handed batsman further revealed that he never requested for captaincy during his stint with Rajasthan Royals, adding that the role was offered to him by franchise owner Manoj Badale. Samson also admitted that he is playing under Ruturaj Gaikwad This was also one of the reasons behind his decision not to seek a leadership role in CSK.
“Even at RR, I never asked for it. RR owner, Manoj Badale sir told me I was the next captain, and I said I was ready. I captained for five seasons and after that, I was confident enough to leave that role, start afresh and enjoy my cricket again. But it was important to have the right people around me. Ruturaj was someone I knew I would enjoy playing under. I will look forward to his Was ready to play in the captaincy and this was one of the considerations that guided my decision not to seek captaincy after joining CSK,” he continued.
Samson also talked about his approach towards selection and personal achievements, saying that he has never been motivated by the pursuit of the Orange Cap or lobbying for a place in the Indian team.
“I have already proved what I am in the IPL and I feel if the Indian team needs me, I don't need to score big runs and win the Orange Cap. There have been many instances where I was very close to being selected in the World Cup squad and someone else got picked. But I am not the kind of character who would say to my leaders, 'Bhaiya, please pick me, I will play.' I'm always like, 'I'm here.' If you want me, call me.' I'll keep doing my training, I'll keep doing my procedures.”
“But when you feel you need Sanju the most, that is the only time when the best of me will also come out. The same happened in CSK and this time in the World Cup as well. I think it is always best to stay where you are comfortable rather than trying to get out of it.”
After joining CSK, Samson enjoyed a brilliant IPL 2026 season, carrying over his T20 World Cup form into the tournament and establishing himself as one of the franchise's outstanding performers with the bat.
Get every cricket update! Follow us: :
Leave a Reply