Credit: BCCI/X
Prior to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson described how he feels to be around Chennai Super Kings (CSK) veteran MS Dhoni. In the upcoming IPL edition, Dhoni will be seen donning CSK colours and he will look to be at his best to help the Yellow Army lift the coveted trophy for the sixth time. Dhoni’s role will be essential for CSK’s campaign as the 43-year-old will guide his captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead the side smoothly. Back in 2024, Gaikwad couldn’t take CSK to the playoffs but this year, he will strive to change the fortunes of the five-time champion side.
Samson, who will hold the reins of RR, said he feels lucky to be around the 2011 World Cup-winning captain. He also recounted how his relation with Dhoni boomed after the CSK vs RR game played in Sharjah in 2020. “Like every young Indian cricketer, I always wanted to be around MS Dhoni. Every time we played against CSK, I wanted to sit and talk to him, ask him how he does things. It was a dream for me. I remember playing a match against CSK in Sharjah, where I finally performed well, scored around 70-80 runs, won the game, and became the Man of the Match. After that, I met Mahi bhai, and since then, our relationship has grown. Even now, I meet him often. Just yesterday, I met him again. It's truly a blessed feeling--to go from idolizing him to now sitting with him for shoots and events. I feel like I'm living my dream," remarked Samson while speaking on the SuperStar programme of JioHotstar.
Rajasthan will confront Chennai on March 30
Rajasthan will square off against CSK at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium on March 30. Before visiting Guwahati, Chennai will be hosting Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. On the other hand, RR will encounter Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before taking on the Men in Yellow.
RR captain Samson might be seen opening batting innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in IPL 2025. In the last edition of the league, he scored 531 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 153.46. This year, the 30-year-old will look to be better as batter and skipper to help his team win the title after 17 years.
