Sanju Samson’s much-anticipated debut with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led to an unexpected end of his six-year streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The wicketkeeper-batter faced his former team, Rajasthan Royals (RR), at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati during IPL 2026. Unfortunately, he struggled and was dismissed for a mere six runs off seven balls.
Samson’s Move to Chennai Super Kings
Samson joined CSK after transferring from Rajasthan Royals prior to last December’s auction. His arrival generated significant excitement, largely due to his impressive performance during the recent T20 World Cup. He played a pivotal role in helping India secure the title, posting three consecutive fifty-plus scores in the knockout stages and earning the Player of the Tournament award.
Chennai’s Changing Dynamics
This match marked a notable moment for CSK, as it was the first time in seven seasons that the team played without MS Dhoni. The absence of the seasoned captain added pressure on the team during the match against RR.
Match Highlights
The conditions in Guwahati were challenging, as the pitch had been covered due to rain. Jofra Archer provided an early test for Samson with precise deliveries around the off stump. Samson’s tentative approach led to his dismissal by Nandre Burger, who bowled a quick delivery clocked at 140.2 km/h, crashing into his off stump.
- Samson’s opening match scores in the IPL over the past six years:
| Year | Score | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 74 (32) | CSK |
| 2021 | 119 (63) | PBKS |
| 2022 | 55 (27) | SRH |
| 2023 | 55 (32) | SRH |
| 2024 | 82* (52) | LSG |
| 2025 | 66 (37) | SRH |
| 2026 | 6 (7) | RR |
Samson’s dismissal was a significant moment, making this the first time in six seasons that he did not score fifty or more in his IPL debut. Following his exit, Chennai faced severe difficulties and found themselves at 38 for 4 within just 5.3 overs during the powerplay.
As the IPL 2026 season continues, fans will be keen to see if Samson can bounce back from this challenging start and reclaim his form with CSK.
