Two bad innings don't define Sanju Samson: CSK coach defends struggling opener
IPL 2026: CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has backed Sanju Samson despite his slow start in IPL 2026. The coach insisted two innings are not enough to judge a proven match-winner.
Sanju Samson’s start to life with Chennai Super Kings has come under early scrutiny, but head coach Stephen Fleming has backed the star batter to bounce back. After two underwhelming outings to begin IPL 2026, Fleming insisted that Samson’s quality remains unquestioned and that a turnaround is only a matter of time.
Samson’s much-anticipated move from Rajasthan Royals had come with significant expectations, especially as CSK transition into a new era and the batter himself wining Player of the tournament in India's 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. However, scores of 6 and 7 in his first two games have sparked debate around his form. Speaking after CSK’s loss to Punjab Kings, Fleming played down concerns and urged patience.
PBKS vs CSK, IPL 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
"He is not going to score every time. It's T20 cricket and he just nicked one today. But, he is in good form. He is training well. And when he gets going, he is often a match-winner. So, two innings don't define an area of concern."
Samson’s struggles have been evident in both outings so far. He fell for 6 off 7 balls against his former side Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, dismissed by Nandre Burger, before managing just 7 off 7 balls in his Chepauk debut, where Xavier Bartlett got the better of him.
With just 13 runs from two innings at an average of 6.5, the numbers underline a slow start. Yet, within the CSK camp, there is little sense of alarm. Samson’s career has often followed a similar pattern, quiet beginnings followed by strong middle-phase contributions, something the team continues to bank on.
CSK'S HORRID IPL FORM CONTINUES
While Samson’s form has been a talking point, CSK’s broader struggles have added to the pressure. Their defeat to Punjab Kings extended a worrying trend, with the five-time champions now enduring six consecutive losses at home.
Despite posting 210 on the board, CSK failed to defend the total at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Priyansh Arya set the tone with a blistering 39 off 11 balls, while Shreyas Iyer anchored the chase with a fluent half-century as Punjab chased down the target in just 18.4 overs.
For a side that has historically relied on Chepauk as a fortress, the recent dip has been stark. Last season saw just one win at home, and the trend has carried into 2026, raising questions about conditions, combinations and execution.
CSK will now look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Delhi Capitals next, with the focus firmly on finding consistency — both from their key players like Samson and as a collective unit.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
Sanju Samson’s start to life with Chennai Super Kings has come under early scrutiny, but head coach Stephen Fleming has backed the star batter to bounce back. After two underwhelming outings to begin IPL 2026, Fleming insisted that Samson’s quality remains unquestioned and that a turnaround is only a matter of time.
Samson’s much-anticipated move from Rajasthan Royals had come with significant expectations, especially as CSK transition into a new era and the batter himself wining Player of the tournament in India's 2026 T20 World Cup triumph. However, scores of 6 and 7 in his first two games have sparked debate around his form. Speaking after CSK’s loss to Punjab Kings, Fleming played down concerns and urged patience.
PBKS vs CSK, IPL 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
"He is not going to score every time. It's T20 cricket and he just nicked one today. But, he is in good form. He is training well. And when he gets going, he is often a match-winner. So, two innings don't define an area of concern."
Samson’s struggles have been evident in both outings so far. He fell for 6 off 7 balls against his former side Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, dismissed by Nandre Burger, before managing just 7 off 7 balls in his Chepauk debut, where Xavier Bartlett got the better of him.
With just 13 runs from two innings at an average of 6.5, the numbers underline a slow start. Yet, within the CSK camp, there is little sense of alarm. Samson’s career has often followed a similar pattern, quiet beginnings followed by strong middle-phase contributions, something the team continues to bank on.
CSK'S HORRID IPL FORM CONTINUES
While Samson’s form has been a talking point, CSK’s broader struggles have added to the pressure. Their defeat to Punjab Kings extended a worrying trend, with the five-time champions now enduring six consecutive losses at home.
Despite posting 210 on the board, CSK failed to defend the total at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Priyansh Arya set the tone with a blistering 39 off 11 balls, while Shreyas Iyer anchored the chase with a fluent half-century as Punjab chased down the target in just 18.4 overs.
For a side that has historically relied on Chepauk as a fortress, the recent dip has been stark. Last season saw just one win at home, and the trend has carried into 2026, raising questions about conditions, combinations and execution.
CSK will now look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Delhi Capitals next, with the focus firmly on finding consistency — both from their key players like Samson and as a collective unit.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
