India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samsonhas revealed how a timely conversation with MS Dhoni helped him overcome a poor start to his IPL 2026 campaign for the 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 the 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 outings for the five-time
champions.
Despite the lean run, Dhoni advised the wicketkeeper-batter to remain calm and continue playing his natural game instead of trying to make unnecessary changes.
"I still remember, Mahi bhai met me after the first three matches when we went for practice. I usually sit right behind him, facing him. So, we sat down, and he looked at me and asked if I was fine. I said, 'Bhaiya, I am fine.' Then I kept saying 'but' and 'yes' without even realising it. Then he told me, 'Don't get into but. Just focus on doing what you do best. Everything will be alright.' It was very subtle, but a huge lesson for me. He was telling me that everything is okay. Just because I was failing didn't mean I had to change my batting style, look like I was stressed, or practice for three extra hours,” Samson said on JioStar's Superstars show.
Samson said Dhoni's words gave him renewed 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 would soon turn around.
“At that moment, I felt I really had to perform for them. Then I told Stephen Fleming, 'Don't worry, we'll be fine in the next game.' And in the next game, I scored a hundred against Delhi Capitals. From there, the momentum came back,” he continued.
The right-hander delivered on his promise in emphatic fashion, smashing an unbeaten 115 off 56 balls against Delhi Capitals in Chennai. His knock, which featured 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 went on to enjoy an impressive IPL 2026 campaign after overcoming his slow start. In 14 innings, the right-hander amassed 477 runs at an average of 43.36 and an outstanding strike rate of 165.63, playing a key role in Chennai Super Kings' batting lineup.
