Did Sanju Samson Reject CSK Captaincy Offer Ahead Of 2024 IPL? Ashwin Clears Air

For IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals retained Sanju Samson as their captain. He holds the record as the top run-scorer for the franchise, joining them in 2013 and accumulating 3403 runs in 130 games.

Sanju Samson in action.

Source : Getty

Sanju Samson's association with Rajasthan Royals (RR) has been significant. He led the team to the IPL 2022 final but faced a setback as they couldn't make it to the playoffs in 2023. Recent rumors suggested that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had approached Samson, considering him a replacement for MS Dhoni. However, veteran spinner R Ashwin debunked this claim.

Quoting Ashwin, an X user stated that Samson declined CSK's captaincy offer, to which Ashwin swiftly responded, denying the false attribution and urged not to misquote him.

“Ashwin on his YouTube channel - "Sanju Samson was approached by CSK as a captain which was nearly finalised. But it dint go through Sanju rejected their offer. Theres a definite possibility in future". #SanjuSamson #IPL2024 #iplauction2024,” the user wrote.

Ashwin on his YouTube channel - "Sanju Samson was approached by CSK as a captain which was nearly finalised. But it dint go through Sanju rejected their offer. Theres a definite possibility in future". #SanjuSamson #IPL2024 #iplauction2024 pic.twitter.com/DnKZ1g0nu8

— Roshmi 🏏 (@CricketWithRosh) November 28, 2023

In reply to the post, Ashwin wrote, “Fake news! Dont lie quoting me 🙏.”

Fake news! Dont lie quoting me 🙏

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 29, 2023

For IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals retained Sanju Samson as their captain. He holds the record as the top run-scorer for the franchise, joining them in 2013 and accumulating 3403 runs in 130 games.

Despite not being picked for the India squad in the T20I series against Australia, Sanju Samson's fans expressed disappointment. Many consider him one of India's unluckiest cricketers due to limited opportunities. However, Samson remains grateful for his achievements, rejecting the notion of being unlucky in his career. He emphasises being content with the progress he's made.

"Aiyyyo, paavam Sanju! The most unluckiest cricketer!’ When I hear that I think, ‘what kind of foolishness is that!’ How am I the unluckiest cricketer? Where I have reached right now, it’s more than where I thought I could,” Samson said.

For the upcoming 2024 season, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will retain Dhoni as their captain. Speculations about his potential successors have persisted, yet the team haven't found a suitable replacement. Ravindra Jadeja briefly assumed leadership, overseeing seven matches resulting in 6 losses with only one win. Subsequently, Ben Stokes was considered as an option after CSK acquired him in the auction. However, due to an injury, Stokes missed most of the season in 2023 and was released ahead of the 2024 season.