The high-scoring clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium exposed a growing concern for CSK — the struggling form of Sanju Samson. Chasing a daunting 251, CSK needed a strong start from their top order, but Samson’s lean run continued. After briefly showing intent with a six, he fell cheaply for just 9 runs, edging a loose shot away from his body off Jacob Duffy to slip, where Devdutt Padikkal completed a safe catch.
The early breakthrough left CSK reeling at 30/3 inside three overs, effectively putting them on the back foot in a steep chase. For Samson, the dismissal marked his third consecutive single-digit score this season, having managed just 6, 7, and now 9 in IPL 2026 — a worrying trend for both player and franchise.
WATCH – Jamie Overton Cleans Up Devdutt Padikkal After Blazing Fifty
This dip in form comes in stark contrast to his recent heroics on the international stage, where he was instrumental for India and finished as Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup. However, that momentum has clearly not translated into the IPL so far.
CSK’s troubles didn’t end there. With Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ayush Mhatre also back in the pavilion early, the top order collapse left the middle order with an uphill task. Sarfaraz Khan tried to revive the innings with a quickfire 50 off 24 balls, but his dismissal further dented CSK’s hopes.
WATCH – Shivam Dube Redeems Himself With Stunning Catch To Dismiss Virat Kohli
Earlier in the match, RCB had completely dominated proceedings with the bat. Padikkal set the tone with an aggressive half-century before skipper Rajat Patidar and Tim David unleashed a brutal assault in the death overs. David’s 30-run blitz in the 19th over, featuring four sixes, powered RCB to one of the highest totals of IPL 2026.
With CSK staring at a third consecutive defeat, serious questions will now be asked about their batting approach — and more importantly, Samson’s form at the top.
Dear Rajasthan Royals fans, just a hypothetical query – What if Sanju Samson wanted to rejoin the Royals and agreed to play under Riyan Parag’s captaincy? What would your reaction be ? pic.twitter.com/ZfKo4PXPUL
— Chinmay (@chinmay_marwadi) April 5, 2026
Sanju Samson 🫠#RCBvsCSK pic.twitter.com/PNGW9N8FZN
— Nitin Singh Rawat (@_Nitin__Rawat_) April 5, 2026
Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube both World Cup champions are struggling to mend their way in this IPL so far
Any advice to them ? pic.twitter.com/q317NmCYVX
— Indian Funda ©® (@Safehands_Sanju) April 5, 2026
Sanju Samson yet to find his rhythm in IPL 2026. ❌💔 pic.twitter.com/IhqhilFHN0
— Content Soul✌️🎯🩵 (@rajeshkodavati) April 5, 2026
So CSK fans divided into 2 groups now 😂
Ruturaj Gaikwad CSK team !!!
Sanju Samson CSK team !!! https://t.co/WpIxPh27TA— CricPal (@AnupPalAgt) April 5, 2026
Sanju Samson – Despite three failures in IPL, you don’t see people trolling him. That’s the respect he earned after delivering for India in the T20 World Cup.
When you win a World Cup for your country, fans stand by you, even if he fails in all 14 matches.#SanjuSamson #RCBvsCSK— Aakash Raj (@Aakashraj2208) April 5, 2026
