Sanju Samson IPL 2026: CSK Star Struggles as Fleming Defends Poor Start

Sanju Samson, one of the standout performers from the recent T20 World Cup, is facing a challenging phase in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. Representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the wicketkeeper-batter has struggled to find form in the early matches.

Samson has failed in all three games so far, raising questions among fans and analysts about his sudden dip in performance.

Third Consecutive Loss for CSK

Chennai Super Kings suffered their third straight defeat in the tournament during a high-scoring clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing a massive target of 251 runs, CSK failed to deliver, with Samson once again dismissed for a single-digit score.

The repeated losses have added pressure on the team, especially after making major changes to their squad ahead of the season.

Stephen Fleming Backs Samson

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has come out in support of Samson despite his poor start. Fleming stated that the player is still adjusting to the new team environment and needs time to settle in.

The coach’s statement reflects confidence in Samson’s abilities, considering his recent success on the international stage.

High Expectations After Big Trade

Samson’s move to CSK was one of the biggest transfers ahead of IPL 2026. The franchise had to part ways with key players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to bring him in from Rajasthan Royals.

Given his match-winning performances in the T20 World Cup, expectations were high. However, his current form has not matched the hype, with repeated dismissals against the new ball becoming a concern.

What’s Going Wrong for Samson?

Cricket experts believe that Samson’s struggles could be due to:

• Difficulty adapting to a new team setup
• Pressure of expectations after a big transfer
• Technical issues against early pace bowling

Despite these challenges, many believe it is only a matter of time before the talented batter regains his rhythm.

Season Still Wide Open

While the start has been disappointing, the IPL season is long, and players often bounce back strongly after early setbacks. CSK will be hoping that Samson rediscovers his form soon to strengthen their campaign.

Fans are also backing the star player, expecting him to deliver performances that match his reputation.