'I Will Remove You From The Team...': Sanju Samson Recalls Dressing Room Chat With Gautam Gambhir During A Tough Phase; Video 

Sanju Samson recently opened up about the pivotal encouragement he received from Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir during a challenging phase in his career. Speaking on the “Kutti Stories with Ash” podcast hosted by Ravichandran Ashwin, Samson recalled how both men played key roles in boosting his confidence and helping him push forward.

Samson shared that the moment came during a Duleep Trophy game in Andhra, where Suryakumar Yadav was also playing. “Surya came to me and said, ‘Chetta, there is a good opportunity coming for you, we have seven games lined up, and I am going to give you all seven games as an opener.’ Hearing that from the captain was a great feeling,” Samson said. True to his word, he was given the chance, but his start wasn’t ideal, as he scored ducks in both games of a series in Sri Lanka.

The poor run left Samson feeling low, but that’s when Gautam Gambhir stepped in. “I was a bit down in the dressing room. Gauti bhai saw me and asked what happened. I told him I didn’t capitalise on my chances. He just said, ‘So? I will remove you from the team only if you score 21 ducks.’ That kind of confidence from a captain and coach helped me to do what I did later on,” Samson revealed.

His reflections highlight how faith and backing from leadership can shape a player’s mindset. The words of support from Suryakumar and Gambhir not only eased the pressure but also laid the foundation for Samson’s resurgence in form, showing the power of trust and belief in cricket’s competitive environment.

Ravichandran Ashwin & Chennai Super Kings Set To Part Ways Ahead Of IPL 2026: Reports

Ravichandran Ashwin’s second stint with the Chennai Super Kings appears to be heading towards an abrupt end, with reports suggesting the veteran spinner is set to part ways with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026. According to a report by Cricbuzz on Friday, the 38-year-old has informed the CSK management of his decision, though the exact reason behind the move remains undisclosed.

Ashwin’s return to the yellow jersey in 2025 had been one of the major storylines of the season. The Chennai-based franchise had secured his services for a hefty ₹9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, marking his comeback after a decade away. Having first represented CSK from 2008 to 2015, Ashwin played a pivotal role in their early successes, establishing himself as one of the most reliable spinners in the league.

While the details surrounding his decision to move on are unclear, the development is bound to be a significant moment for both player and franchise. Ashwin’s wealth of experience and ability to deliver under pressure have been valuable assets, and his exit could leave a sizeable gap in the CSK bowling attack.

If confirmed, the separation would draw the curtain on what was expected to be a celebrated homecoming. For the fans, it may feel like an opportunity lost to see one of their favourite sons finish his IPL career where it all began, while for CSK, it signals another shift as they prepare for the challenges of the 2026 season.