Sanju Samson Credits MS Dhoni’s Advice for Turning Around IPL 2026 Campaign

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has disclosed that a timely conversation with MS Dhoni helped him recover from a sluggish start to his IPL 2026 campaign with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Samson entered the tournament following a memorable T20 World Cup 2026, where he played a pivotal role in India’s championship victory and earned the Player of the Tournament award. However, his return to franchise cricket got off to a disappointing start, with scores of 6, 7, and 9 in his first three matches for the five‑time champions.

Despite the lean run, Dhoni urged the wicketkeeper‑batter to stay composed and stick to his natural game rather than making unnecessary adjustments.

I still recall that Mahi bhai approached me after our third match during a practice session. I usually sit directly behind him, facing him, so we sat down and he asked if I was fine. I replied, “Bhaiya, I’m fine.” Then I kept saying “but” and “yes” without even realizing it. He then told me, “Don’t get into but. Just focus on doing what you do best. Everything will be alright.” It was a subtle yet profound lesson. He was reminding me that despite my failures, I didn’t need to alter my batting approach, appear stressed, or spend extra hours practicing.

At that moment, I felt I needed to deliver for them, so I told Stephen Fleming, “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine in the next game.” And indeed, in the following match I scored a century against Delhi Capitals, after which momentum shifted in our favor.

The right‑hander then delivered on his promise emphatically, scoring an unbeaten 115 off 56 balls against Delhi Capitals in Chennai. The innings, comprising 15 fours and four sixes, yielded a strike rate of 205.35 and signaled the start of a productive batting stretch.

Samson subsequently enjoyed an impressive IPL 2026 campaign after overcoming his slow start. Across 14 innings, he accumulated 477 runs at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 165.63, playing a pivotal role in the Chennai Super Kings’ batting lineup.

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