Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have had a forgettable start to their IPL 2026 campaign, and one of their biggest concerns has been the form of their star signing Sanju Samson. Despite the pressure mounting and three low scores already, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming continues to show full faith in Sanju Samson.
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman was the marquee signing for Chennai Super Kings, having been traded to Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Stephen Fleming supports struggling Sanju Samson in IPL 2026
Sanju Samson was expected to lead the batting unit. But things did not go his way in the first three matches, so far this season he has scored 6, 7 and 9 runs in three innings. The Kerala star’s recent outing against RCB during CSK’s 43-run defeat in Bengaluru raised even more eyebrows.
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Despite Samson’s poor form, Fleming had defended his poster boy and said that he is desperate to perform well and is just one good innings away from being in top form. The head coach highlighted how quickly T20 cricket can change, while emphasizing that Samson can play a match-winning innings at any time.
Stephen Fleming said in the post-match press conference, “He is desperate to get some runs and contribute with Ruturaj; T20 can change quickly. We saw in the T20 World Cup what can happen – when a batsman sets out to score runs, he is a guy who can be very influential, a guy who can be very dangerous, so we will have nothing but support and confidence for Sanju from our side as he makes his way into the yellow.” Is.”
Sanju Samson’s big move comes with big adjustments
This is Samson’s first season away from Rajasthan Royals after playing for them for so many seasons and Fleming feels the transition has been difficult for the Kerala star. The coach feels that it takes time to settle in a new franchise, understand the culture, dressing room and routine, even for experienced players, and something similar is happening with Samson.
“It’s difficult when you’ve been at a franchise for a while, and even though he probably feels quite comfortable, there’s still an element of familiarity there. He’s going through the process of assimilating with this team, and there have been five or six changes in the team, so it’s not like it’s a settled team,” he said.
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Fleming is confident that good days will come for CSK and Sanju Samson
CSK is already going through a phase of change. With five to six new faces in the squad, the coach has stressed that the team is not completely settled. Fleming admitted that the group is still working on building stronger relationships on and off the field and that Samson is still trying to find a compromise.
Fleming signed off by saying, “So, there is a bit of work to be done off the field, which we are doing, just to strengthen the relationship a bit. But he is fine. He is fitting in really well. He is desperate to score some runs and contribute with Ruturaj and the other senior players.”
Notably, Chennai Super Kings remains at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table with zero wins in three matches. Their next match will be against Delhi Capitals on April 11 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
