IPL 2026: ‘Values set by Mahi bhai...'- Sanju Samson explains MS Dhoni’s CSK influence

Sanju Samson has offered a candid glimpse into life at Chennai Super Kings, admitting that the move has brought a sense of responsibility and a noticeable shift in mindset.

In a video shared by the franchise, Samson spoke about the pressure and pride of representing one of the most successful teams in the IPL. “A very different feeling for me… a very star-studded kind of franchise I’m involved in nowadays. So I feel a bit more responsible. I can’t easily throw away my wicket. Right after you throw away your wicket, you are walking into the airport and people are like ‘chetta, play more carefully’,” he said.

The wicketkeeper-batter added that he has quickly adapted to the environment at CSK. “So I’m getting very used to being a CSK player and I kind of settled in a bit too quickly I feel. After two weeks I was like everyone is just like me.”

Samson also highlighted the culture within the franchise, crediting former skipper MS Dhoni for shaping its identity. “Being a championship side isn’t about behaving like a champion or being arrogant or something like this. Base values are set by Mahi bhai and you can actually feel him in each and every team player and support staff. Everyone is behaving very calm and cool. This actually aligns with how I also behave, so I feel very settled here.”

On the field, however, CSK have had a mixed campaign so far. They recently suffered a narrow 10-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad and are currently placed eighth on the points table with just two wins from six matches. They will next face Mumbai Indians in a crucial clash.

Samson’s own journey this season has mirrored the team’s inconsistency. After a quiet start, he roared back to form with a sensational unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals. Overall, he has scored 192 runs in six matches at an average of 38.40 and a strike rate of 174.55, making him the second-highest run-scorer for CSK.

The responsibility on Samson is set to increase further following the injury to young opener Ayush Mhatre, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the season after a hamstring issue. Mhatre was CSK’s leading run-scorer with 201 runs in six matches. He joins Khaleel Ahmed and Nathan Ellis on the sidelines, adding to the team’s growing injury concerns.

Adding to their challenges, MS Dhoni is yet to feature this season as he continues to recover from a calf injury sustained before the tournament, leaving CSK to navigate a crucial phase without their iconic leader.