Sanju Samson endured a frustrating outing against Lucknow Super Giants as the Chennai Super Kings opener failed to convert another promising start during the high-scoring IPL 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Coming into the match on the back of a superb unbeaten 87 against Delhi Capitals and a century earlier this season at Chepauk, Samson carried huge expectations on his shoulders.
With CSK chasing a daunting 210-run target, the experienced batter was expected to anchor the innings alongside the explosive top order. However, Digvesh Rathi produced a crucial breakthrough for LSG at a key stage of the innings. On the fourth ball of the fourth over, the mystery spinner outfoxed Samson completely with a sharp delivery that crashed into the stumps.
The dismissal stunned the Chepauk crowd as Samson walked back after scoring 28 runs off just 14 deliveries. Although he looked fluent during his brief stay at the crease, his wicket left CSK under pressure early in the chase with the scoreboard reading 45/1.
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Samson has been one of Chennai’s standout batters in IPL 2026, registering two centuries and consistently providing aggressive starts at the top. His recent form made him one of the biggest threats in the CSK batting lineup, which is why Rathi’s wicket proved so significant for Lucknow.
The perfect response after being hit for a six \|/
🎥 Digvesh Rathi 𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗦 Sanju Samson 🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/MoXhlWHk4O#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #CSKvLSG | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/qHvEIdVpRS
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 10, 2026
Despite losing their star opener, Chennai managed to keep themselves alive in the chase thanks to an outstanding counterattack from Urvil Patel. The young batter continued his sensational run of form with another blistering knock, smashing a rapid-fire fifty to shift momentum back in CSK’s favour.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad also played a composed hand with a valuable 42-run innings, ensuring the hosts stayed on track during the difficult chase.
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Before the match, Gaikwad had stressed the importance of collective performances rather than relying on individual brilliance. Even after Samson’s early dismissal, CSK’s batting unit responded positively, once again showcasing the team-first approach that has helped them regain momentum in the second half of IPL 2026.
