• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

IPL 2026, CSK vs PBKS: Sanju Samson's much-anticipated start with Chennai Super Kings has failed to take off so far, with the wicketkeeper-batter registering back-to-back low scores in the IPL 2026. After being dismissed for just 6 in his first outing against his former side Rajasthan Royals, Samson once again departed cheaply during CSK's clash against the Punjab Kings on Friday.

The dismissal came as early as the second over, with Australia pacer Xavier Bartlett striking with a well-executed plan. Samson shuffled early towards the leg side in an attempt to create room, but Bartlett held his line on middle.

With minimal foot movement, Samson pushed at the delivery away from his body, only for the ball to seam away late and take the outside edge. Wicketkeeper Prabhsimran Singh completed a regulation catch behind the stumps as CSK were reduced to 14/1.

ALSO READ: Yuvraj Singh Recalls 2007 Snub After SRH Overlooks Abhishek Sharma For Captaincy: 'Dhoni Became Captain Out Of Nowhere'

Notably, both of Samson's dismissals this season have come inside the power play, preventing him from settling into the innings. The twin failures come despite Samson entering IPL 2026 on the back of a strong T20 World Cup campaign. The right-hander had looked in good touch in the tournament, contributing with important knocks in knockout matches.

Sanju Samson Wicket Against Rajasthan: WATCH VIDEO

However, in the IPL, Samson is yet to replicate that form. In both outings so far, early movement against seam bowling and lack of decisive footwork have resulted in his downfall. With CSK banking on him as a key top-order batter following his move from Rajasthan, the franchise will be keen for him to find rhythm quickly as the tournament progresses.

CSK vs PBKS 

Punjab Kings opted to bowl first after winning the toss against Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2026 clash, with Chennai taking the field without MS Dhoni in the playing XI. The decision to bowl paid off almost immediately as Sanju Samson fell early once again.

CSK vs PBKS Playing 11:

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer (In for Matthew Short), Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry and Khaleel Ahmed.

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (C), Prabhsimran Singh (WVK), Cooper Connolly, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.


Also In News