Chennai: Sanju Samson’s early performances for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 have come under scrutiny, but head coach Stephen Fleming has expressed strong confidence in the star batter’s ability to bounce back.

Despite a quiet start to the season, the CSK camp remains optimistic that Samson will soon rediscover his form.

Slow start raises questions

Samson, who made a high-profile move from Rajasthan Royals, began his CSK stint with scores of 6 and 7 in his first two matches.

His dismissal for 6 off 7 balls against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati was followed by another low score of 7 off 7 balls at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where he was dismissed by Xavier Bartlett.

With just 13 runs at an average of 6.5, the numbers reflect a disappointing start, especially considering the expectations surrounding him after his recent success.

Fleming urges patience

Speaking after CSK’s loss to Punjab Kings, Fleming downplayed concerns over Samson’s form.

“He is not going to score every time. It’s T20 cricket… when he gets going, he is often a match-winner,” Fleming said, emphasising that two innings are not enough to judge a player of Samson’s calibre.

The coach highlighted that Samson has been training well and remains in good touch, suggesting that a big performance could be just around the corner.

High expectations after T20 World Cup

Samson’s move to CSK came with significant expectations, particularly after his standout performance in India’s 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

As CSK transitions into a new phase, the team is relying on experienced players like Samson to anchor the batting lineup and provide consistency.

CSK’s struggles add pressure

While Samson’s form has drawn attention, CSK’s overall performance has also been a concern. The team’s defeat to Punjab Kings extended a poor run, with the five-time champions now suffering six consecutive losses at home.

Despite posting a strong total of 210 runs, CSK failed to defend it at Chepauk. Punjab Kings chased down the target in 18.4 overs, led by a quickfire 39 from Priyansh Arya and a composed half-century by Shreyas Iyer.

Chepauk no longer a fortress

Historically known as a stronghold for CSK, the MA Chidambaram Stadium has not yielded the same results in recent times. The team managed just one home win last season, and the struggles have continued into IPL 2026.

This dip in home performance has raised questions about team combinations, pitch conditions, and execution under pressure.

Focus on turnaround

CSK will now aim to regroup quickly as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals.

The focus will be on regaining consistency both individually and as a unit, with hopes that players like Samson can lead the turnaround.

Conclusion

While Sanju Samson’s slow start has sparked debate, the backing from coach Stephen Fleming indicates strong belief within the CSK camp. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Samson to deliver and help revive CSK’s campaign in IPL 2026.