Guwahati: Former Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson’s debut in Chennai Super Kings yellow ended in early heartbreak Monday, as the wicketkeeper-batter was clean bowled for 6 runs, triggering a devastating top-order collapse against his former franchise at Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

The much-anticipated encounter, the first since the blockbuster offseason trade that sent Samson to Chennai in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, saw the Royals’ pace attack dismantle the Super Kings' front line within the first four overs.

Burger and Archer strike early

Opening the innings for Chennai alongside captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Samson lasted only seven deliveries before facing his former teammate Nandre Burger. In the second over, the South African left-arm pacer produced a sharp inswinging delivery that beat Samson’s attempted flick and crashed directly into the off-stump, sending the former Rajasthan icon back to the dugout with the score at 14-1.

The breakthrough sparked a rapid disintegration of the Chennai top order. In the following over, England quick Jofra Archer struck a decisive blow, cleaning up Ruturaj Gaikwad for 6 runs. Gaikwad, who had briefly found the boundary with a drive through cover, was beaten by a fast, full delivery that rattled the stumps, leaving the Super Kings reeling at 19-2 after three overs.

Disaster at three

The collapse deepened at the start of the fourth over when teenager Ayush Mhatre, batting at number three, was dismissed for a golden duck. Attempting to navigate his first delivery from Burger, Mhatre was caught behind after a successful Rajasthan review, confirming a faint edge. The dismissal left Chennai in a dire position at 19-3, forcing the team to introduce Sarfaraz Khan as an early Impact Player to stabilise the innings.

A new look for both sides

The match marked the beginning of a new leadership era for Rajasthan under Riyan Parag, who was appointed full-time captain following Samson’s departure. Rajasthan won the toss and elected to field on a surface that had been under covers due to earlier rain, a decision that paid immediate dividends as their seamers found significant movement.

Samson, who took the gloves for Chennai as MS Dhoni remained sidelined with a calf strain, faced the Royals for the first time since his 155-match tenure with the franchise ended. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja made his return to the Rajasthan lineup, donning the pink and blue jersey for the first time since 2009.

The match continues in Guwahati, with Chennai’s middle order tasked with rebuilding following the loss of their top three stars for a combined 12 runs.