NewKerala.com

Stephen Fleming Backs Sanju Samson as CSK's Match-Winner Despite Slow Start

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has publicly backed new signing Sanju Samson, calling him a "match-winner" despite modest scores in his first two games. Samson, who joined from Rajasthan Royals with high expectations, has managed only 6 and 7 runs so far. Statistics reveal his record at Chennai's Chepauk stadium is his worst at any IPL venue. CSK, having lost both their opening matches, will hope Samson finds form as they prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Key Points: Fleming Defends Sanju Samson's Slow Start at CSK

  • Fleming backs Samson amid scrutiny
  • Samson scores 6 & 7 in first two CSK games
  • Poor Chepauk record a concern
  • CSK lost both opening IPL fixtures
  • Team to face RCB next
2 min read

"Sanju Samson is a match-winner": CSK head coach Stephen Fleming

CSK coach Stephen Fleming calls Sanju Samson a match-winner, backing him to find form after two low scores in IPL 2026.

"He is not going to score every time... when he gets going, he is often a match-winner. - Stephen Fleming"

Chennai, April 4

Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming backed his side's opening batter, Sanju Samson, as his stint with the five-time Indian Premier League champions came under early scrutiny.

Samson's much-anticipated move from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of this IPL season came with immense expectations for CSK, after finishing at the bottom of the points table last season.

Fresh off being named Player of the Tournament in India's 2026 T20 World Cup triumph, Samson arrived with significant momentum. However, he has so far only made modest scores of 6 and 7 in his first two outings for CSK.

"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 the reporters after the match.

Samson fell for 6 off 7 balls against his former side, Rajasthan Royals, in Guwahati in his side's IPL 2026 opener, before managing just 7 off 7 balls in his Chepauk debut against Punjab Kings on Friday.

According to CricViz, Samson's record at Chennai's ground has been great. In 6 innings so far in his IPL career, he has only managed to make 66 runs at an average of 11, striking at 100.

Samson's average at Chepauk is also his lowest at any IPL venue (min. 5 innings). With 6 games still to come this season, CSK will be hoping he turns this around.

The five-time IPL champions have been going through a lean phase in the IPL. After finishing at the bottom of the points table last year, they have lost both their opening fixtures and will now lock horns with the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), on Sunday.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The stats at Chepauk are worrying though. Average of 11? That's not just a blip, it's a pattern at this ground. Hope he can break the jinx. CSK really needs him to fire if they want to climb out of this hole.
R
Rohit P
Too much pressure on one player. The whole team is not performing. Why single out Samson? Batting order, bowling... everything needs a look. Back-to-back losses is a team failure, not a Sanju failure.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I think the scrutiny is unfair. He's adapting to a new team, new role, and massive expectations. Give the man some time! T20 is a brutal format. One big innings and everyone will forget these scores.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, I disagree with Fleming here. While backing players is good, calling him a "match-winner" based on potential feels like avoiding the real issue. The team's strategy needs a hard look, not just hopeful statements. The Chepauk record is a genuine concern they must address tactically.
K
Kavya N
He was brilliant for India. The talent is undeniable. Maybe he's just trying too hard to impress the CSK fans. Once he settles down, the runs will flow. Sunday against RCB is the perfect stage for a comeback! 🔥

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50