Why Sanju Samson is Not Keeping Wickets Against DC?

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings were on full flow during their match against Delhi Capitals in the at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Top batting performances from the top and middle order powered the score to 212 runs against the quality bowling lineup of the Delhi side.

Sanju Samson, who struggled for CSK in the start of the IPL season, showcased his elegance and class by scoring 115* runs from 56 balls. However, during the second innings of the CSK vs DC IPL 2026 match, Samson did not come out to keep wickets for his team.

Why Sanju Samson is Not Keeping Today?

After scoring his maiden century for the Chennai-based franchise, Sanju Samson was rested from the wicket-keeping duties, considering his workload in mind. Samson remained unbeaten throughout his knock after coming out to open the batting alongside his captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Youngster Kartik Sharma became the CSK new wicketkeeper for this match when he took the gloves in Samson's absence. This is an excellent opportunity for the youngster to gain some match experience ahead of the long season ahead.

MS Dhoni, who is the first-choice wicketkeeper in the CSK squad, has undergone a calf injury and is going through a rehab, which gave the chance for the youngster to keep the wickets. Dhoni is likely to take his place behind the stumps once he returns from injury.

While Samson, of the best wicketkeepers in IPL, did not come out to keep wickets, he didn't take much time to be back on the field. Just a few overs after the innings start, he returned to take back his place behind the stumps.

Sanju Samson's Inconsistent Form in IPL 2026

Sanju Samson's current IPL season had been inconsistent and unpredictable before this match. However, he finally returned to form with a brilliant batting display against DC. He scored a fine hundred, which took him ahead in the list of most centuries in IPL.

Ahead of this season, the wicketkeeper was traded from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings in exchange of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Against his former side in the opening game of Chennai Super Kings, Samson was unable to leave his mark, losing his wicket cheaply for just 6 runs.

Following this, his low scoring run continued against PBKS and RCB, where Sanju managed to score only 7 runs and 9 runs respectively. But all of this changed against Delhi Capitals at the Chepauk when he smashed a hundred and showed why he is among the best batsmen in IPL. This knock will give him confidence ahead of the upcoming matches as well.