Bengaluru: Stephen Fleming has thrown his weight behind Sanju Samson despite the wicketkeeper-batter’s poor start with Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, stressing that fortunes in T20 cricket can change rapidly.
Fleming’s remarks came after CSK suffered a third consecutive defeat, going down to Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 43 runs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Samson, a marquee signing this season, endured another failure, dismissed for a single-digit score while chasing a daunting 251-run target.
‘T20 cricket can change quickly’
Fleming reminded critics that T20 form is often fleeting and unpredictable. Drawing parallels with global tournaments, he pointed out how a single innings can transform a player’s confidence and impact.
“In T20, things can change quickly. We saw in the T20 World Cup what can happen,” Fleming said, adding that Samson has the ability to dominate once he finds rhythm.
He emphasised that the CSK management would continue to back Samson fully as he adapts to his new role within the team.
Adjustment phase at CSK
A key factor behind Samson’s struggles, according to Fleming, is the transition from his previous franchise to a new setup.
Samson joined CSK ahead of IPL 2026 in a high-profile trade from Rajasthan Royals, with the franchise parting ways with senior players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Fleming explained that even experienced players need time to settle into a new environment.
“It’s difficult when you’ve been at a franchise for a long time… there’s still an element of belonging,” he noted, adding that CSK themselves are not a settled side this season, with multiple changes in the squad.
Team bonding and confidence
The CSK coach highlighted that off-field bonding plays a crucial role in helping players perform on the field. He said efforts are being made to strengthen team connections as the squad continues to evolve.
Despite Samson’s lean patch, Fleming insisted that the player has integrated well into the group and remains eager to contribute alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and other senior members.
RCB dominate high-scoring clash
The match itself turned into a run-fest, with RCB posting a massive 250/3 in their 20 overs. Explosive innings from Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal and skipper Rajat Patidar powered the total.
David’s blistering 70 off just 25 balls stood out, while the bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ensured CSK never got close to the target.
In reply, CSK showed flashes of resistance through a quickfire 50 from Sarfaraz Khan, 43 from Prashant Veer, and a late cameo by Jamie Overton. However, they were eventually bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs, falling short by 43 runs.
Points table scenario
With this win, RCB have made a strong start to IPL 2026, registering back-to-back victories and moving to the top of the points table with four points and a healthy Net Run Rate.
CSK, on the other hand, remain at the bottom, yet to secure a win after three matches, increasing pressure on the team to turn things around quickly.
Conclusion
Stephen Fleming’s backing of Sanju Samson highlights CSK’s long-term approach despite early setbacks. While the numbers reflect a disappointing start, the team management remains confident that Samson’s fortunes can change rapidly in the unpredictable world of T20 cricket.
As the tournament progresses, Samson’s ability to adapt and deliver could play a crucial role in CSK’s campaign revival.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)