Indian wicketkeeper-batsman sanju samson has revealed how a timely conversation with MS Dhoni helped him recover from a poor start to the IPL 2026 campaign for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Samson entered the tournament on the back of a memorable T20 World Cup 2026, where he played a key role in India's title-winning campaign and was named Player of the Tournament. However, his return to franchise cricket did not go as planned, as he managed scores of 6, 7 and 9 in his first three matches for the five-time champions.
Despite the slow pace, Dhoni advised the wicketkeeper-batsman to remain calm and continue playing his natural game rather than trying to make unnecessary changes.
“I still remember, after the first three matches when we went for practice, Mahi bhai met me. I usually sit right behind him, facing him. So, we sat down, and he looked at me and asked if I was okay. I said, 'Bhaiya, I'm fine.' Then I kept saying 'but' and 'yes' without thinking. Then he said to me, 'But don't get into it. Just focus on doing what you do best. Everything will be fine. It was very subtle, but a huge lesson for me. He was telling me everything was fine. Just because I was failing doesn't mean I have to change my batting style, look like I'm stressed or practice three extra hours,” Samson said on Geostar's Superstar show.
Samson said Dhoni's words gave him new confidence and strengthened his belief that he only needed one good innings to get back into form. He also revealed that he reassured head coach Stephen Fleming that things will change soon.
“At that moment, I felt I really had to perform for them. Then I said to Stephen Fleming, 'Don't worry, we'll be OK in the next game.' And in the next game, I scored a century against Delhi Capitals. The momentum came back from there,” he added.
The right-handed batsman fulfilled his promise in style and scored an unbeaten 115 runs in 56 balls. Delhi Capitals In Chennai. His innings, which included 15 fours and four sixes, came at a blistering strike rate of 205.35 and marked the beginning of a successful run with the bat.
Samson enjoyed a brilliant IPL 2026 campaign after recovering from his slow start. In 14 innings, the right-handed batsman played a vital role in the Chennai Super Kings batting lineup, scoring 477 runs at an average of 43.36 and an impressive strike rate of 165.63.
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