Chennai Super Kings have had a difficult start to IPL 2026, and one of the biggest talking points has been the form of their new signing Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter joined CSK in a major transfer before the season, but his performances so far have raised concerns among fans.
Despite the slow start, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has shown strong support for Samson and believes the experienced batter will soon return to form.
Stephen Fleming backs Sanju Samson despite poor start
Sanju Samson was one of the biggest signings for Chennai Super Kings ahead of IPL 2026. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter joined CSK after leaving Rajasthan Royals in a deal that saw Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran move to Rajasthan.
However, Samson has struggled in the opening matches of the season.
Sanju Samson’s scores in IPL 2026 so far
| Match | Runs |
|---|---|
| Match 1 | 6 |
| Match 2 | 7 |
| Match 3 | 9 |
His latest outing came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru, where CSK lost the match by 43 runs. Samson again failed to convert his start into a big score, which increased discussions about his form.
Speaking about the situation, Stephen Fleming said the team is not worried and believes Samson only needs one good innings to regain confidence.
Fleming explained that T20 cricket changes very quickly and players can return to form with just one strong performance. He added that Samson has the ability to win matches and the team fully trusts his talent.
Big move to CSK comes with new challenges
Sanju Samson spent many seasons with Rajasthan Royals before joining Chennai Super Kings. Moving to a new franchise after such a long time can take adjustment.
Fleming pointed out that adapting to a new team environment is not always easy. Players must get used to a different dressing room culture, new teammates, and new routines.
He also mentioned that CSK themselves are going through several changes this season.
Changes in the CSK squad
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| New players | Several fresh faces in the squad |
| Team combinations | Still being finalized |
| Dressing room dynamics | New partnerships forming |
According to Fleming, the team currently has five or six changes in the lineup, which means the squad is still trying to settle into a stable combination.
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Fleming confident Samson will bounce back
Even though Samson has not scored big runs yet, the CSK management believes he will soon find his rhythm.
Fleming said the team is still building stronger connections both on and off the field. As the season progresses, players will become more comfortable in their roles.
He also noted that Samson is working hard and is eager to contribute to the team’s success. The coaching staff believes that once he gets a good start, he can become one of the most important players in the lineup.
Samson is expected to play a key role alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and other senior players as CSK tries to improve its performance in the tournament.
CSK’s current position in IPL 2026
Chennai Super Kings are currently at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table after losing their first three matches of the season.
CSK early season record
| Matches | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0 | 3 |
The team will be looking to register its first victory soon to stay in the race for the playoffs.
Next match for Chennai Super Kings
CSK’s next challenge will be against Delhi Capitals.
Match details
| Match | CSK vs DC |
|---|---|
| Date | April 11, 2026 |
| Venue | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| Tournament | IPL 2026 |
Fans will be watching closely to see if Sanju Samson can finally deliver a big performance and help Chennai Super Kings turn their season around.
