Sanju Samson Sends Special Message to New Home Chepauk Ahead of IPL Season: “There’s Extra Responsibility”

With elimination looming, Sanju Samson is expected to remain India's opener for their final T20 World Cup Super Eight clash against the West Indies.

Sanju Samson Sends Special Message to New Home Chepauk Ahead of IPL Season: “There’s Extra Responsibility”

Sanju Samson expressed admiration for CSK fans, after playing at Chepauk. (via Inside Sport)

Sanju Samson opened up on his experience of playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, better known as the Chepauk, for the first time since moving to CSK. He discussed the welcome during the India-Zimbabwe T20 World Cup clash and acknowledged a new ‘responsibility’.

Having only joined Chennai Super Kings before the 2026 IPL auction, Sanju Samson has quickly acquired fame, even earning the nickname ‘Chettan’, which means elder brother in Malayalam. The 31-year-old was a part of a blockbuster trade deal, which saw CSK parting ways with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, in order to facilitate Samson’s move from Rajasthan Royals. Jadeja and Curran moved the other way, to the Jaipur-based franchise. 

Before making his debut at CSK’s iconic home venue, Chepauk, in the famed yellow jersey, Samson received an overwhelming reception from fans in Chennai, during India’s crucial 2026 T20 WC Super Eight clash against Zimbabwe on Thursday. As Suryakumar Yadav announced that the right-hander would play, a loud roar engulfed the stadium, even though Samson has endured a tough run this year. 

Samson provided India with an aggressive start by scoring 24 runs off 15 balls. He was later praised by head coach Gautam Gambhir in a video shared by the BCCI, despite him being dismissed early on. In the same clip, Samson talked about the enthusiastic welcome he received in Chennai, while also reflecting on the close cultural ties that he shares with Chennai, given that he is from the neighbouring state of Kerala. 

After the trade, this is the first time I’m coming to Chennai. Right from the airport, I can feel the special love. Normally, we do come to Kerala and Chennai is very close, we do often come here, and I do feel that energy here.

The 31-year-old talked about the lively atmosphere at the Chepauk, while appreciating the passion and warmth of the CSK fans. The right-hander, who is expected to open the innings for CSK in IPL 2026, also shared that performing in front of Chennai’s passionate fanbase instilled joy and accountability in him. Samson indicated that he would have to shoulder the ‘added responsibility’ of entertaining the fans. 

Really happy to go out there and entertain them in this way… There’s also a little extra responsibility. When everyone comes to cheer for you, I think there’s an extra added responsibility to actually entertain them.

Earlier this year, Samson was dropped from India’s lineup, with Ishan Kishan taking his spot as the opener and wicket-keeper. This change was due to his underwhelming performance in the T20I series against New Zealand, where he managed 46 runs across five matches, at an average of just 9.20.

Former teammate wants Sanju Samson to finish with a T20 World Cup century after Zimbabwe cameo

Sanju Samson has been urged to finish his 2026 T20 World Cup campaign with a century, after the 31-year-old made his return to the side in a remarkable manner. Playing against Zimbabwe in the Super Eight stages, Samson hit a blazing 24 run-cameo off just 15 balls at the Chepauk.

R Ashwin on Sanju Samson
R Ashwin hoped for Sanju Samson to finish with a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup. (via India Today)

The wicket-keeper batter made his way into the playing XI as Rinku Singh’s replacement. It was Samson’s second appearance in the tournament, after he had scored 22 runs off eight balls against Namibia. Samson’s 24 runs vs. Zimbabwe laid the foundation for India’s massive first-innings total of 256/4, the second-highest by a team in T20 WC history. 

He hit two massive sixes and a four, but was dismissed in the 4th over while attempting a pull shot off Blessing Muzarabani. After the match, R Ashwin highlighted Samson’s abilities while noting that his role is to provide quick starts in the remaining fixtures. Furthermore, Ashwin also hoped for Sanju Samson to convert his starts to something substantial, urging him to finish with a hundred or a POTM display. He said on his YouTube channel:

There will not be a better opportunity than this… I would want him to finish the World Cup with a hundred, or that match-winning performance, for his confidence.

India secured a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe, thereby keeping their T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive. Notably, the 48-run opening partnership between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma was the first time in the tournament that India managed an opening stand exceeding 30 runs.

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