Chennai Super Kings (CSK) CEO Kasi Viswanathan made a surprising revelation about Sanju Samson ahead of their IPL 2026 season opener against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Viswanathan admitted that he has had minimal direct communication with the star wicketkeeper-batter since his trade to Chennai.
Samson joined the Super Kings after a trade with Rajasthan Royals, who received Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The 31-year-old brings experience, having scored 4,704 runs across 177 Indian Premier League matches. However, the franchise management is avoiding putting unnecessary pressure on him.
We Don’t Want to Put Any Pressure on Sanju Samson – Kasi Viswanathan
Speaking to RevSportz, Kasi Viswanathan stated that he prefers to maintain a respectful distance from players, including Sanju Samson, during practice sessions. Kasi added that he fully trusts the wicketkeeper-batter’s abilities.
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“As far as Sanju is concerned, we don’t want to put any pressure on him because we know his capabilities. I haven’t spent much time talking to him yet, as I only met him a couple of days ago. During practice, I also prefer not to disturb the players. I am very confident that Sanju, with his ability and current form, will be a great asset for us.”
Samson is expected to integrate naturally into the calm Chennai Super Kings environment. Despite limited interaction with the management, he already feels strong support from the passionate local fanbase.
That Was Just the Beginning – Kasi Viswanathan
Kasi Viswanathan highlighted the incredible reception Sanju Samson received from the famously loyal CSK supporters. The CEO recalled that Sanju Samson received massive cheers while opening the batting for India against Zimbabwe during the World Cup.
“The response has been fantastic. For example, when he opened the batting for India against Zimbabwe in the World Cup in Chennai, he was welcomed so warmly that even he seemed surprised by the support. That was just the beginning,” Viswanathan added.
“Then we had what I would call a pre-launch for CSK on the 22nd in Chennai. At that time as well, when Sanju came in, he received a tremendous welcome, which would have definitely encouraged him.”
🚨 Exclusive: Kasi Viswanathan in conversation with @BoriaMajumdar
The CEO, Chennai Super Kings, speaks on Sanju Samson and his chances of keeping wickets in Dhoni’s absence from the first two weeks of IPL.
He also shares his thoughts on Samson being a fan favourite and the… pic.twitter.com/goUkAoFgSZ— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) March 30, 2026
Sanju Samson’s Remarkable Performances Ahead of IPL 2026
Sanju Samson joined Chennai Super Kings after exceptional performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he won the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.
He initially faced heavy scrutiny after scoring just 46 runs in the home series against New Zealand. Samson was even benched for India’s opening World Cup match, with Ishan Kishan taking the gloves.
However, the Kerala cricketer silenced his critics with three consecutive match-winning knocks in the knockout stages. Samson smashed an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against West Indies in the virtual quarterfinal.
He followed it up with 89 off 42 against England in the semifinal and 89 off 46 against New Zealand in the final. The right-handed batter finished as India’s leading run-scorer in the World Cup.
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