The standout features of Devdutt Padikkal’s batting this IPL have been his acceleration and shot-making range.
| Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

Chennai Super Kings’ wicketkeeper Sanju Samson leaves the ground after losing his wicket. (AP Photo)

A struggling Sanju Samson has found himself at the centre of growing fan frustration as Chennai Super Kings continue to falter in IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter endured another disappointing outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, extending a lean run that has coincided with CSK’s three consecutive defeats.Since his high-profile move from Rajasthan Royals, Samson has struggled to justify expectations, managing scores of just 6, 7 and 9 in his first three matches. His failure to provide strong starts at the top has added to CSK’s woes, especially given his recent success as Player of the Tournament in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

Viral fan post questions Samson’s ‘hunger and intent’

While poor form is part of the game, what has particularly irked fans is Samson’s perceived lack of energy and engagement on the field. A viral social media post from a CSK supporter captured the mood:“Dear @IamSanjuSamson, If you’re not mentally in it, then step aside for a few games. This isn’t just about runs anymore. Your body language is screaming disinterest. Every time the camera’s on you, you look frustrated and disconnected. Honestly, I’ve never seen you smiling even once. What’s hard to accept is the lack of energy, intent, and fight. Where’s the passion? Where’s the hunger? At least show that you care. Right now, it just doesn’t look like it.”The post quickly gained traction, with several fans echoing similar concerns about Samson’s body language as CSK continue their search for a first win this season.

Fleming backs Samson despite poor run

Amid the criticism, head coach Stephen Fleming urged patience, backing Samson to come good as he adapts to a new environment.“It’s difficult when you’ve been at a franchise for some time. Even though he probably feels comfortable, there’s still an element of belonging and he’s going through the process of connecting with this team,” Fleming said.He stressed that the team is still evolving, with multiple changes in the lineup. “There’s a little bit of work to be done off the field to tighten bonds, but he’s fitted in really well,” he added.Fleming also underlined Samson’s intent to bounce back. “He’s desperate for some runs and to contribute. We saw in the World Cup what he can do. When he gets going, he can be very dangerous. There will be nothing but support and confidence from us as he finds his path in yellow.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Devdutt Padikkal, right, with Virat Kohli. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have begun their IPL 2026 campaign in commanding fashion, and batter Devdutt Padikkal has revealed the tactical shift behind their early success. With two wins in two matches, RCB sit atop the standings, showcasing a refined batting approach that blends caution with calculated aggression.Speaking after their convincing 43-run win over Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru, Padikkal explained that the team has consciously addressed its past batting frailties. The new strategy revolves around preserving wickets in the first half of the innings before unleashing an all-out assault in the latter stages.‘Keep wickets, then attack’Padikkal highlighted that the change in approach stems from lessons learned last season. “Even last season we had a couple of games early on where we struggled and ended up losing maybe three or four wickets and then it put us on the back foot,” he said.“We had a conversation midway through last year that we needed to make sure that when the wicket is behaving in such a way, you have to ensure you have wickets in hand. Once the ball gets older, it becomes much easier to bat on,” he added.The left-hander stressed that avoiding early collapses has been key. “We had to make sure we are not three or four down by the 10-over mark. Once we were able to do that, we could go hard at every ball. The way the entire unit has been batting since then has been incredible,” he noted.This approach has already paid dividends, with RCB posting big totals and maintaining pressure on opposition bowlers through well-timed acceleration.Padikkal’s evolution and confidence boostPadikkal, who has been in fine form with scores of 61 and 50 in the first two games, credited his improvement in white-ball formats to a conscious shift in mindset and technique.“It’s a lot of hard work and self-belief. It wasn’t easy to make that change because I had to alter the foundation of the kind of cricket I wanted to play growing up,” he admitted.“The change was something I had to make consciously, and RCB’s support staff have been brilliant in guiding me in the right way,” he added, underlining the role of the team environment in his transformation.Power-hitting balance and Tim David factorWhile T20 batting has seen an increasing emphasis on power-hitting, Padikkal believes the evolution is part of a natural progression. “Batting has gone to another level. Everyone is working hard to hit big sixes and fours. It’s now on the bowlers to raise their game as well,” he said, adding that conditions could eventually balance the contest.Padikkal also reserved special praise for teammate Tim David, whose explosive 70 off 25 balls dismantled Chennai’s attack. “We see him do this every day in practice. He’s very clear about which bowler to target and when. That clarity makes a huge difference,” he said.

Chennai Super Kings (ANI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings’ poor start to IPL 2026 continued with a heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and former star Ravichandran Ashwin did not hold back while reflecting on the team’s struggles and his own difficult final season. CSK slumped to their third straight loss after being outplayed at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB piled up a massive 250/3, powered by explosive knocks from Tim David (70* off 25), Rajat Patidar (48* off 19) and Devdutt Padikkal (50 off 29). In response, CSK never quite recovered from early blows despite resistance from Sarfaraz Khan and Prashant Veer, eventually getting bowled out for 207. As the defeat exposed deeper issues within the side, Ashwin reflected on his own decision to step away from the IPL, admitting that he could have continued but was mentally drained after a disappointing campaign. “Any suggestions for sad songs? I am watching the match from a neutral point of view, but remember that I recently spent a disappointing season with CSK, it was a disappointing season for me personally as well. Honestly, in my mind, I could have played more, because emotionally, I just did not have the bandwidth to play,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. When asked to revisit that phase, Ashwin made it clear that it remains a sensitive subject for him. “I don’t want to go there, it’s mentally disturbing. It was very painful for me. I don’t want to go there. I discussed a little then I said, I started in Chennai, I am finishing in my hometown, it’s fine. I decided to retire myself as it would not have created a headache for them (the management) over whether to retain me or release. They would also save Rs 10 crore if I go. I am still disappointed. I had expectations, I had hope,” he added. Despite predicting an RCB win, Ashwin admitted he expected a stronger showing from CSK, especially after signs of improvement in their previous outing. “I had expectations from today. I know, I picked RCB to win, because they have strength. But, I banked on the improvement that CSK showed in the last game. I had a little faith on the fact that RCB were coming into this match after a break. The way RCB played, they warned everyone,” he said. CSK’s current approach has also come under scrutiny, particularly their shift towards a younger squad. Ashwin questioned how effectively these players are being nurtured in a high-pressure environment. “These young boys, you have to give them good practice, you have to give them intensity, you have to give them atmosphere from here on. How are they going to do this?” he remarked. The veteran spinner was also critical of certain tactical calls, especially how bowlers are being utilised. He pointed out that some players are being asked to execute skills that may not suit their strengths. “You can watch SA20 to plan against. Jamie Overton isn’t good at bowling yorkers. You are making him do that. You have to play according to the bowler’s strengths. You are making him bowl wide yorkers from around the stumps. Tim David smashed them hard,” he said. With results going against them and questions mounting over both strategy and execution, CSK now face an early-season challenge to regroup and find direction before the campaign slips further away.

Chennai Super Kings’ captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted his own failure at the top hurt Chennai Super Kings as they slumped to a heavy loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, elaborating on key moments in the post-match press conference. CSK were rocked early in the chase of 250, collapsing to 30 for 3 after losing Ruturaj, Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre. That early damage proved decisive despite a spirited response later. Reflecting on the fightback, Ruturaj said in the post-match conference: “Well, even I was surprised, to be honest. Great fight by Sarfaraz, Prashant Veer, Jamie Overton, even to some extent Shivam Dube. So I think, maybe I would have, contributed more top of the order, you never know, we would have chased it down. So definitely it’s on me today.” He highlighted how the efforts of Sarfaraz Khan, Prashant Veer and Jamie Overton kept CSK in the contest briefly, but admitted the game had already slipped due to the poor start. Ruturaj also elaborated on a crucial moment in the field that could have shifted momentum. Virat Kohli was dropped early, and RCB capitalised fully. Speaking about that phase, he said: “We would have had, as you rightly said, if we would have taken early chance of Virat Kohli, I think that was, I mean, maybe we would have had momentum to ourselves. But I think, we still had the game in our hands till the 13th, 14th over, and that’s when the momentum really shifted.” That shift came dramatically at the death, when Tim David tore into the CSK attack. Ruturaj pointed out that they almost had an opportunity to dismiss him earlier. On that moment, he said in the press conference: “Well, you’re right, KP. I think, Anshul almost got a wicket of him. Unfortunate to be illegal delivery, but yeah, after that, he just smacked all around the park and, as you rightly said, hats off to him.” RCB’s late surge, powered by Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar and David, took the game away completely. For Ruturaj, the takeaway was clear. Missed chances, an underwhelming start with the bat, and a brutal finish from the opposition combined to seal CSK’s fate.

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their dream run in IPL 2026 with a commanding 43-run victory over Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, powered by a sensational batting display and timely strikes with the ball.Put in to bat, RCB endured a cautious start on a slightly tacky surface, going boundary-less in the first three overs. Virat Kohli looked the most assured early on, while Phil Salt gradually found his rhythm. The innings gained momentum after the PowerPlay, with Salt (46) and Devdutt Padikkal stitching a crucial stand.