Six consecutive IPL seasons. Six consecutive half-centuries or better in his very first match of each campaign. It was one of the most quietly remarkable individual streaks in the tournament’s recent history. Tonight in Guwahati, Nandre Burger ended it.
Sanju Samson was dismissed for 6 off 7 balls by Burger in the first innings of CSK’s chase against Rajasthan Royals, his former franchise, ending a run that had defined how he begins IPL seasons better than almost any other batter in the competition.
The numbers tell the story of what was lost tonight.
In 2020 against CSK, Samson hit 74 off 32 balls. In 2021 against Punjab Kings, he smashed 119 off 63. In 2022 against SRH, he made 55 off 27. In 2023 against SRH again, another 55 off 32. In 2024 against LSG, an unbeaten 82 off 52. Last season in 2025 against SRH, 66 off 37.
Six seasons. Six fifties or better. A streak built across franchises, opponents, and venues that spoke to something consistent in how Samson approaches the first match of a season with intent and clarity.
Tonight, batting for CSK against the team he captained for years, on a used red-soil pitch in overcast Guwahati conditions, Burger found his stumps and ended the streak at six.
CSK are 30 for 3 in 4.1 overs. The context of the dismissal could not be more stark.