Chennai, April 14: In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the opening partnership of Sanju Samson and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has left fans feeling disheartened. Across the first five matches, this duo has managed to score only 124 runs. Let’s take a closer look at their performance this season.
On March 30, in a match against Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sanju Samson (6) and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad (6) could only muster 14 runs in 2 overs. Following a poor start, the team collapsed for just 127 runs in 19.4 overs, losing the match by 8 wickets.
In the match on April 3 against Punjab Kings, the pair of Sanju (7) and Gaikwad (28) again struggled, contributing only 14 runs in 2 overs. Although the team posted a score of 209/5, Punjab Kings secured a 5-wicket victory.
CSK faced Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on April 5, chasing a daunting target of 251 runs. The opening partnership broke on the fifth ball, with Sanju scoring 9 runs and Gaikwad only 7. CSK managed just 207 runs in 19.4 overs, resulting in a 43-run defeat to RCB.
After losing three consecutive matches, CSK took on Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 11. In this match, Sanju Samson found his rhythm, scoring an unbeaten 115 runs off 56 balls, including 4 sixes and 15 fours. Alongside captain Gaikwad (15), they added 62 runs in 6.2 overs. Thanks to Samson’s century, CSK posted 212 runs for 2 wickets, winning by 23 runs against DC and finally opening their account in the tournament.
In the match on April 14 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), CSK faced an early setback, with Gaikwad returning to the pavilion after scoring just 7 runs in 2.2 overs.
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