“I am really excited to be part of CSK,” said Sanju Samson following his trade to Chennai Super Kings ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. However, his excitement was met with disappointment as he was dismissed for just seven runs off seven balls against Punjab Kings on April 3, 2026, at Chepauk, Chennai.

Samson’s performance at Chepauk has been underwhelming, with a total of only 66 runs in six matches, averaging just 11. This includes a duck, highlighting his struggles at this venue.

Despite his recent challenges in the IPL, Samson’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2026 was remarkable. He was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 321 runs in five innings, boasting an impressive strike rate of 199.37 and an average of 80.25. His contributions were pivotal in leading India to its third T20 World Cup title.

Prime Minister Modi praised Samson’s performance, stating, “This is the identity of a true player. When the team needed him the most, he showed his best.” This acknowledgment from the Prime Minister underscores the high expectations placed on Samson following his World Cup success.

In a lighter moment, Samson expressed his surprise at the support he received from the Chennai crowd during the World Cup, saying, “I was surprised by the support I got from the Chennai crowd during the World Cup.” His transition to CSK has been met with mixed results so far.

Ravindra Jadeja, another key player for CSK, humorously remarked, “I’m liking the pink colour. The yellow had started to feel a bit old, but I’m just joking,” reflecting the light-hearted atmosphere among the team despite the pressure of performance.

As the IPL season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Samson can turn his fortunes around and deliver the performances expected of him at CSK.