Chennai Super Kings batter Sanju Samson is on the verge of achieving a special milestone in his IPL career ahead of today's clash against Gujarat Titans. The wicketkeeper-batter needs just 23 more runs to complete only his second-ever 500-plus season in IPL history.
Impressive debut season with CSK
Samson has enjoyed a sensational debut campaign with CSK in IPL 2026. After spending over a decade across two separate stints (2013-2015 and 2018-2025) with Rajasthan Royals, the stylish right-hander was traded to Chennai ahead of the season in a blockbuster move involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.
Fresh from his Player of the Tournament-winning performances in India's triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, Samson has seamlessly carried his form into the IPL and emerged as CSK's standout performer this season. In 13 matches so far, Samson has scored 477 runs at an impressive average of 47.70 and a blistering strike rate of 166.20. His tally includes two centuries and one half-century, underlining his consistency and attacking approach at the top of the order.
Previous 500-run season
If he reaches the 500-run mark against Gujarat Titans, it will mark only the second time in his IPL career that he has crossed the milestone in a single season. His previous best came in IPL 2024, when he amassed 531 runs in 15 innings, including five half-centuries. Samson made his IPL debut in 2013 with Rajasthan Royals before moving to Delhi Capitals for a brief stint. He later returned to Rajasthan and established himself as one of the franchise's most important players before joining CSK for IPL 2026, his third IPL franchise.
CSK's playoff hopes hanging by a thread
Meanwhile, CSK's playoff hopes hang by a thread. Following a crushing five-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chepauk, the five-time champions slipped to seventh place on the points table with 12 points from 13 matches and a negative net run rate of -0.016. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad already securing playoff spots, CSK are now battling four other teams for the lone remaining qualification berth and no longer control their own fate in the tournament.
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