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.”

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.

Rajasthan Royals’ captain Riyan Parag (PTI Photo)

Former Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu has backed Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag, stating that the young captain has already earned the trust and respect of his teammates early in his leadership stint. Rajasthan edged past Gujarat Titans by six runs in a tense encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 4. After posting 210/6, RR managed to restrict Gujarat to 204/8, sealing a narrow but impressive win. Speaking during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Rayudu highlighted how Parag has settled into the role and how the squad appears to be responding positively to his leadership. “He is doing a fantastic job and I am sure the coaching staff are giving him all the freedom. I can easily see the RR group having great respect for him. That is great to watch. When you have a young captain, the biggest challenge is to command that respect. I can see a lot of respect for him in the squad. They look to be enjoying themselves, which is a great sign.” Parag was handed the captaincy ahead of IPL 2026 after Sanju Samson moved to CSK. The 24-year-old had already gained some leadership exposure last season, stepping in as stand-in captain during Samson’s injury phase. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch also weighed in, pointing out a key factor that has helped Parag ease into the role. He noted that the absence of a dominant senior figure in the dressing room has worked in the young skipper’s favour. “What is also important in that regard when you have got a young captain – there is not an overshadowing figure who has missed that opportunity to lead the side. Often there can be a resentment there towards the person who has got the job. He has got a team of young superstars. He can almost guide them through the next phase of their career and forge a generation of seriously good players for RR.” Under Parag’s leadership this season, Rajasthan have made a strong start, winning both of their matches so far. While his individual returns with the bat have been modest — 14* off 11 against CSK and 8 against GT — he has contributed with the ball as well, picking up the wicket of Kumar Kushagra in the latter game. With early results going his way and strong backing from former players, Parag’s captaincy stint has begun on a promising note, both in terms of results and dressing-room dynamics.

Chennai Super Kings’ Matt Henry and teammates (ANI Photo)

Chennai Super Kings head into a crucial clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, looking to bounce back after a disappointing five-wicket loss to Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Despite posting 209 on the board, powered by a fluent 73 off 43 balls from Ayush Mhatre, CSK failed to defend the total as Punjab chased it down with eight balls remaining. Shreyas Iyer led the charge with a composed fifty, while early fireworks from Priyanshu Arya (39 off 11) set the tone for the chase. Following the defeat, Ravichandran Ashwin called for patience from fans, urging them not to target the younger players. “My request to CSK fans is, please do not slam any player. Support each and every one of them,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “Being a fan of a team isn’t just about winning. The five titles CSK have won is a legacy, but the youngsters shouldn’t be burdened with the weight of it,” he explained. “The burden shouldn’t fall on Ayush Mhatre or Urvil Patel. They have to go out and play with joy. They willl learn and couple of years down the line, the side will become invincible again,” he revealed. CSK’s innings had begun with Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening, but Samson’s struggles continued as he fell cheaply once again. Mhatre then steadied things alongside Gaikwad, racing to a 29-ball fifty and taking CSK past 100 inside 10 overs before Yuzvendra Chahal removed the skipper for 28. Mhatre carried on before being dismissed by Vijaykumar Vyshak, who also climbed to the top of the Purple Cap standings. However, the bigger concern for CSK remains their bowling unit. Across two matches, they have leaked 338 runs in just 30.5 overs while taking only seven wickets. Even their spinners, Noor Ahmad and Rahul Chahar, were expensive against Punjab, conceding 84 runs in eight overs without the challenge of dew. The pace attack of Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed and Anshul Kamboj has also struggled to make an impact. Things do not get easier for CSK as they now face a confident RCB side that looks far more balanced than in previous seasons. Led by Virat Kohli at the top, RCB’s batting unit appears settled, with Devdutt Padikkal rediscovering form through a blistering 26-ball 61 in their previous outing and skipper Rajat Patidar anchoring the middle order effectively. RCB’s bowling, once considered their weak link, has shown significant improvement. In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy impressed with a three-wicket haul, using sharp short-pitched deliveries to trouble opposition batters. The team may also consider bringing in left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav in place of Abhinandan Singh. Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have provided control in the middle overs. For CSK, much will depend on Samson rediscovering form quickly. With scores of 6 and 7 so far, the T20 World Cup winner has not provided the strong starts expected of him. A clash against RCB could be the perfect stage for a turnaround, but unless their bowling unit improves significantly, CSK face an uphill battle against an in-form Bengaluru side.

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

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has thrown his support behind opening batter Sanju Samson, even as the latter’s start to life with the franchise has come under early scrutiny in IPL 2026.Samson’s high-profile move from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season carried significant expectations, particularly with CSK looking to bounce back after finishing at the bottom of the table last year. The wicketkeeper-batter also arrived on the back of a stellar run, having been named Player of the Tournament in India’s victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign.However, his returns so far have been underwhelming. Samson has managed scores of just 6 and 7 in his first two appearances for CSK, including a low return against his former team Rajasthan Royals and another modest outing at Chepauk against Punjab Kings.Despite the slow start, Fleming dismissed concerns over Samson’s form and urged patience. “He is not going to score every time. It’s T20 cricket, and he just nicked one today. But he is in good form. He is training well. And when he gets going, he is often a match-winner. So, two innings don’t define an area of concern,” Fleming told reporters after the match.Samson’s struggles at Chennai’s home venue have also come into focus. In six IPL innings at Chepauk, he has scored only 66 runs at an average of 11 and a strike rate of 100 — his lowest across venues where he has played at least five matches. With six more games scheduled at the ground this season, CSK will be hoping he can reverse that trend.

The team itself is enduring a difficult phase. After a disappointing campaign last year, CSK have begun IPL 2026 with back-to-back defeats and now face a stern challenge against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their next fixture.