“We wanted him to hit that shot instead of bowling short to him and him pulling it because he likes that,” said Riyan Parag, reflecting on the strategy against his former teammate Sanju Samson during their recent clash in Guwahati.
In a surprising turn of events, Sanju Samson, who was once a key player for the Rajasthan Royals, found himself dismissed for just 6 runs off 7 balls in his new role with the Chennai Super Kings. Clean bowled by Nandre Burger, this performance starkly contrasted with his previous seasons where he consistently scored over 50 runs in his opening games from 2020 to 2025.
This match, held on March 30, 2026, saw the Rajasthan Royals secure victory over the Chennai Super Kings by 8 wickets, marking a significant moment for Riyan Parag, who made his full-time captaincy debut. The Royals’ success was a testament to their strategic planning, as noted by Anil Kumble, who remarked, “It wasn’t an easy pitch. There was something in it for the bowlers, a bit of moisture.”
Sanju Samson’s journey in the IPL began in 2013 when he made his debut for the Rajasthan Royals. Over the years, he has been associated with three teams, showcasing his adaptability and talent. His recent trade to the Chennai Super Kings for a staggering INR 18 crore highlights his value in the league.
Despite the challenges he faced in this match, the batting mindset of the Chennai Super Kings remains focused on winning. Suresh Raina noted, “Riyan Parag mentioned in the post-match presentation about the batting mindset that as long as the team is winning, they are sticking to their approach.”
As the IPL season progresses, the combination of players in the Chennai Super Kings will be crucial. Raina emphasized, “I think that combination will be very important for RR this season,” hinting at the ongoing adjustments teams must make in response to their performances.
Sanju Samson’s transition to the Chennai Super Kings is still unfolding, and while his performance in this match raises questions, his potential to bounce back remains significant. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how he will adapt to this new chapter in his career.
