IPL 2026: Sanju Samson steps up in Dhoni's absence to revive CSK’s fortunes

Sanju Samson guided Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to their fifth victory of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), beating Delhi Capitals (DC) by 8 wickets in Match 48 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Samson continued his marvellous form, playing a magnificent innings of 87* (52), with the help of seven fours and six sixes as CSK chased down the target of 156 in with utmost ease.

Having been acquired by Chennai after the most high-profile player trades in the history of the tournament, Samson has taken the responsibility head-on as he sits at the top of the run-scoring charts for his side. The opening batter has accumulated 402 runs from ten innings at an average of 57.42 and a strike rate of 167.50 with two centuries and one fifty.

Samson’s run-scoring has also become a guarantee of success for the five-time champions, as every time he’s crossed the 40-run mark, CSK have gone on to win that fixture. His rich form and the swift glove work behind the stumps are reminiscent of the man whom the entire CSK fanbase is dearly missing.

Samson fills in Dhoni's shoes

As MS Dhoni continues to recover from his injuries, CSK have badly missed the presence of a senior figure guiding them through turbulent times in the ongoing season. With captain Ruturaj Gaikwad struggling with form and several players out with injuries, CSK desperately needed someone to reignite the flame of hope in their camp.

In Samson, they’ve found their guarding angel, who’s quietly doing his job, sending a sense of calm in the dressing with his strokeplay. With him at the crease, the entire team breathes a sigh of relief, confident that they will end on the right side of the result so long as he stays at the wicket.

The backbone of CSK's batting

Apart from his batting heroics, Samson has also inflicted four dismissals as a wicketkeeper, contributing to the team in every manner possible. With no clarity on Dhoni’s return, Samson’s rich form and experience will be indispensable as CSK navigate through an extremely crucial phase of the campaign.

Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad is already in awe of his opening partner, calling him the backbone of CSK’s batting.

"I would say, more than grateful to have Sanju in the side after the tournament he had even in the World Cup and even now. So, obviously, he's a backbone now,” said Gaikwad in the post-match presentation.

With five wins from ten games, CSK are now placed sixth on the IPL 2026 points table, having ten points. Despite a sluggish start to their campaign, they now have a realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs. As the five-time champions set their sights on a top-four finish, Samson’s willow will act as a ladder to help them get there.