IPL 2026: Sanju Samson eyes special milestone in must-win clash against Gujarat Titans

Sanju Samson (Image: IPL/BCCI) Chennai Super Kings batsman Sanju Samson is on the verge of achieving a special milestone in his IPL career ahead of today’s clash against Gujarat Titans. The wicket-keeper batsman needs just 23 more runs to complete his second ever 500-plus season in IPL history.Samson enjoyed a sensational debut campaign with CSK in IPL 2026. After spending more than a decade in two separate stints (2013-2015 and 2018-2025) with Rajasthan Royals, the stylish right-hander was traded to Chennai before the season in a successful move involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Currand.Fresh from his player-of-the-tournament performances in India’s triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, Samson has seamlessly carried his form into the IPL and has been CSK’s standout player 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 record includes two centuries and one half-century, underlining his consistency and attacking approach at the top of the order. If he reaches the 500-run mark against Gujarat Titans, it will be only the second time in his IPL career that he has crossed the milestone in a single season. His best so far 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 short time. 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.

Do you believe that ČSK can still make it to the playoffs this season?

Meanwhile, ČSK’s playoff hopes hang in the balance. After a crushing five-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chepauk, the five-time champions have slipped to seventh in the points table with 12 points from 13 matches and a negative net pace of -0.016. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad already clinching playoff spots, CSK are now battling with four other teams for the only remaining qualification spot and are no longer in control of their own destiny in the tournament.