The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and one of the most jaw-dropping came during the clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Nandre Burger stuns Sanju Samson with a dream delivery
In a moment that silenced the crowd, RR pacer Nandre Burger produced a stunning delivery to dismiss Sanju Samson for just six runs on his debut outing for CSK. What was expected to be a big occasion for Samson quickly turned into a nightmare, as Burger’s brilliance stole the spotlight.
Opening the batting in new colours, Samson looked cautious early on, perhaps still settling into the role. But in the second over, Burger charged in and delivered a ball that every fast bowler dreams of.
Clocked at 140.2 kmph, the delivery pitched on a good length and subtly moved away after pitching. Samson, looking to flick it toward the leg side, misread the line completely. The ball zipped past his bat and crashed into the off stump, sending the bails flying.
There was no reaction from Samson for a moment – just disbelief. His feet stayed planted, his bat nowhere near the ball. It was the kind of delivery that leaves even the best batters helpless, and Burger knew it immediately, celebrating what could already be one of the balls of the tournament.
CSK collapse after Samson’s early departure
Samson’s early departure wasn’t just another wicket – it marked the end of an incredible streak. Since 2020, the wicketkeeper-batter had scored a fifty or more in every IPL season opener, consistently setting the tone for his team year after year.
From a blazing 74 in 2020 to a century in 2021 and multiple fifties in the seasons that followed, Samson had built a reputation for starting strong. But IPL 2026 told a different story. His score of 6 (7) not only ended the streak but also highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in T20 cricket.
The context made the moment even more dramatic. Samson was facing his former franchise, RR, a team he had represented for over a decade and led as captain. Having moved to CSK in a high-profile trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, there was immense anticipation around his debut.
Instead, it was Burger who owned the narrative.
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Samson’s wicket triggered a collapse at the top. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad fell soon after, dismissed cheaply by Jofra Archer.
Here’s the video:
The pressure intensified when youngster Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for a golden duck – again by Burger.
Within the first three overs, CSK found themselves reeling at 19 for 3, completely on the back foot. Moving ahead, RR bowlers offered no relief as the Super Kings were bundled out for just 127 in 19.4 overs.
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