IPL 2026: ‘I have a gut feeling Sanju Samson will score in Bengaluru’ - Irfan Pathan backs CSK opener to deliver

Published - 05 Apr 2026, 16:28 IST | Updated - 05 Apr 2026, 16:30 IST

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has backed Chennai Super Kings opener Sanju Samson to be among the runs in the clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League 2026 on Sunday, April 5, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The wicketkeeper-batter has scored 13 runs in his first two innings for CSK. Pathan noted that Samson has been brought in by the franchise as a potential face of the team after MS Dhoni. He added that this role could begin to take shape if Samson delivers against RCB, sharing that he has a gut feeling the batter will rise to the occasion.

“Look, as far as the future is concerned, Chennai have brought in Sanju Samson as a potential face of the team after MS Dhoni. He has not scored runs in the first two matches, even on a pitch where batting has improved. The next match is in Bengaluru, and I expect Sanju Samson to score runs there. If that happens, then Chennai’s thinking of making him the face of the team after MS Dhoni could start taking shape. I have a gut feeling that Sanju will score in this match,” said Pathan on his YouTube channel.

Pathan also mentioned that Virat Kohli, the RCB opener, does not look 37, praising his agility in the field. He added that if Sanju Samson delivers for the Chennai Super Kings, Kohli will not be far behind. Kohli had already showcased his form in the season opener, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“And then there is Virat Kohli. The way he scored runs in the first match at a strike rate of 182, he does not look like a 37-year-old at all. He is extremely agile in the field, and with his running between the wickets, you might get tired, but he will not. He just keeps scoring runs consistently. His ability is something he continues to showcase again and again, making everyone happy. Once again, he will be up against Chennai, and he will come with the same energy. And I also believe that if Sanju scores runs, then Virat will not be far behind. You will see him scoring consistently once again,” said Pathan.