Sanju Samson's performance has dramatically improved in IPL 2026 after a rocky start with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Initially struggling with three single-digit scores, he rebounded with three fifties in seven innings, including a standout 87 not out against Delhi Capitals (DC) on a challenging pitch. Aaron Finch, speaking on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show, commended Samson's ability to handle the pressure of being a marquee signing, especially after CSK traded Ravindra Jadeja for him. Finch noted that the initial panic over Samson's performance was unwarranted, emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining consistency throughout an entire season. Currently, Samson boasts 402 runs in ten innings, averaging 57.42 with a strike rate of 167.50. Deep Dasgupta praised this new version of Samson, highlighting his consistent performance since the T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament. This season, he has shown the potential to convert fifties into hundreds, marking a significant evolution in his batting.