'Sanju Samson is not going to score...': CSK head coach goes extremely blunt
Table of Contents
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has backed the Indian batter Sanju Samson, who moved to Chennai Super Kings following a massive trade ahead of the IPL 2026 season. However, following his poor show, the coach has backed him to perform in the upcoming games.
Chennai Super Kings made one of the biggest trade signings ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction in the form of Sanju Samson, the Indian wicket-keeper batter. He was brought in as the replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran all-rounder for CSK.
Samson is yet to win his maiden title in the IPL despite having formerly played the final as a captain of a franchise. The Indian veteran is yet to fire for CSK, and is yet to win a game for them. CSK has started with two consecutive losses this season.
CSK head coach backs Sanju Samson after consecutive poor outings
Sanju Samson made his debut for CSK in the first game of the season against the Rajasthan Royals, his former franchise, at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The Indian batter was coming off a tremendous campaign for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Despite his successful stint in international cricket, Samson has departed for consecutive low scores in the first two IPL games for the Chennai Super Kings this season. However, the CSK head coach has shown full faith in the Indian cricketers' abilities.
He said, "He is not going to score every time. It's T20 cricket, 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-Gaikwad's opening pair is not clicking for CSK in IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings had planned for a successful opening pair in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. However, the two right-handed batters have considerably failed to produce anything special in the last two games.
Ruturaj Gaikwad's form is also a major concern for the CSK team, as he is the captain of the side. Gaikwad has not only been losing his form but has also batted with a very poor strike rate. He has been severely out of touch, as despite his attempts, he has missed out on shots.
CSK might consider promoting Ayush Mhatre to the top of the order to open alongside Sanju Samson. This could help the young Mhatre take off the pressure of scoring early runs from Samson, who might flex his muscles this time.
Is the Ravindra Jadeja-Sanju Samson deal a blunder for CSK?
Chennai Super Kings made a massive gamble as they parted ways with their most veteran spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, in exchange for Sanju Samson. Jadeja, a true veteran for CSK, had played 11 seasons for the franchise and won three titles with them in 2018, 2021, and 2023.
However, the deal has not been a massive success for them, especially after CSK's bowling has been compromised following the departure of Ravindra Jadeja. Chennai's spin bowling deck has been weakened and is relatively inexperienced.
Rahul Chahar and Noor Ahmad were thrashed by the Punjab Kings, while Prashant Veer, the youngster, is yet to bowl for CSK.
About the Author
This author is a member of Cricketaddictor who writes news and analysis related to cricket.
