Sanju Samson’s IPL campaign has taken a worrying turn for Chennai Super Kings, with the India T20 World Cup 2026 hero continuing to get trapped in single-digit territory. Since moving to CSK in a trade from Rajasthan Royals, Samson has not been able to give the side the kind of starts they were hoping for, and his struggles at the top have coincided with Chennai dropping three matches in a row. For supporters, it has been especially tough to watch, given that Samson delivered some of the sharpest batting performances of the World Cup run for India, turning pressure moments into dominant ones.
Across the first three outings in the IPL, Samson’s returns read 6, 7 and 9, leaving the fanbase frustrated and the management looking for answers as the season moves forward. Even before the T20 World Cup began, his form had been under scrutiny, which was one reason he missed the opening fixtures for India. However, once he was given his chance, the wicketkeeper-batter appeared ready to make an impact—an expectation that has not translated to the franchise stage so far.
Even with the season still far from over, the frustration around Samson’s place in the CSK XI is not only rooted in numbers. There has also been talk—raised by supporters rather than confirmed internally—about a perceived lack of hunger and a disconnect in his approach. In Chennai’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, Samson was unable to provide the early momentum the team required, and that triggered fresh criticism on social media. Several fans urged him to consider stepping aside if he is not fully mentally engaged, pointing to what they described as body language that does not match the intensity expected at this level.
One CSK supporter posted directly to Samson, writing that if he is not mentally “in it,” then he should take a break for a few games. The message added that the concern is no longer just about runs, but about the visible signs of disinterest—claiming that whenever cameras are on him, he appears frustrated and disconnected, and that he has not looked like his usual self on the field. The fan questioned where the energy, intent and fighting spirit had gone, urging Samson to show that he cares and insisting that, at the moment, it simply does not look that way.
That view was echoed by other supporters as well, with many continuing to scrutinise Samson’s demeanour while CSK chase their first landmark win of the campaign. With the team still searching for their maiden victory of the season, attention has only intensified around the opening batter’s mindset and match tempo.
RCB’s big total sets the tone
Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered the kind of innings that quickly puts pressure on the chasing side. Batting first, RCB posted a commanding 250 for the loss of three wickets. The innings was powered by Tim David, who struck 70 not out off 25 balls, alongside Devdutt Padikkal’s 50, and captain Rajat Patidar’s 48 not out off just 19 deliveries. The turning point came through a fast-moving 99-run partnership between David and Patidar, which took the game away from Chennai. Phil Salt added 46, while Virat Kohli contributed 28, helping RCB build a total that looked increasingly daunting as the innings progressed.
Chennai’s response never settled into a chase that could realistically threaten the target. After losing wickets early, their top order collapsed to a score of 30, leaving the innings on a knife-edge. Sarfaraz Khan tried to keep the chase alive with 50 off 25, and Prashant Veer added 43, while Jamie Overton made 37. Still, the required run rate kept climbing, and the pressure proved too much to overcome. CSK were eventually dismissed for 207 in 19.4 overs, handing RCB a decisive upper hand and further underlining the challenge Chennai face in finding consistency this season.
