Sanju Samson fails again at Chepauk, CSK opener's troubling record worsens after early dismissal vs PBKS

Sanju Samson was traded to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the auction, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joining Rajasthan Royals.

Updated on: Apr 3, 2026, 23:10:29 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Sanju Samson's poor record at the Chepauk continued on Friday as the Chennai Super Kings lost his wicket early against Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 fixture. Opening the innings with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Samson was dismissed by Xavier Bartlett in the second over, departing for seven off seven balls.

Sanju Samson's record at the Chepauk perfectly reflects his knock vs PBKS. (PTI)

Bartlett spotted that Samson was backing away from the stumps towards the leg side, and he sent his delivery on top of middle. Samson tried to direct it away on the off side without any footwork, and the ball nipped away off the seam, catching his outside edge and going to the wicketkeeper, and CSK lost their first wicket.

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Sanju Samson's record at Chepauk

Samson's record at the Chepauk perfectly reflects his knock vs PBKS. In six matches in the venue, he has managed only 66 runs at an average of 11 and 100 strike rate. Samson also has a duck at the Chepauk.

Samson was traded to CSK ahead of the auction, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joining Rajasthan Royals. CSK opened their IPL 2026 campaign against RR and lost by eight wickets. Samson was dismissed for six off seven balls.

Speaking on joining CSK, he said, "I am really excited to be part of CSK. I had spoken to Dhoni over the phone and had shared the dressing room with him when I was in the Indian team. I always had positive vibes after interaction with Dhoni bhai. This will be different as I will be spending close to two months with Dhoni in CSK, and I am eagerly looking forward to it. It will be a great opportunity for me to observe him from close quarters and learn from him."

"I was surprised by the support I got from the Chennai crowd during the World Cup. I think I am lucky. Maybe they see me as one of them. I don’t want to disappoint them in the IPL and will give my best for CSK," he added.

Meanwhile, Jadeja also recently opened up about his CSK exit, revealing it was a difficult emotional moment. “I'm liking the pink colour. The yellow had started to feel a bit old, but I'm just joking. Obviously, leaving a franchise like CSK, where I had played for 12-13 years, was a little difficult initially. It was very emotional,” he said.

"But I told myself that changes like these are also part of the journey. The good thing was that I'm now with the team where I had first won an IPL title. That memory has always stayed with me, that after the Under-19 World Cup, I started my IPL career there and won the title in my very first season. I have carried those memories along with a positive mindset, and my aim is to learn as much as I can with the new group and also share my experience with the team," he added on Jio Hotstar.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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