Sanju Samson (Image credit: BCCI/IPL/CSK)
NEW DELHI: A new franchise, three single-digit scores and rising expectations – the pressure was intense on Sanju Samson at the start of IPL 2026. The move did not go as initially planned, but the wicket-keeper-batsman responded in emphatic fashion when it mattered most.Against Delhi Capitals, Samson rediscovered his rhythm with a thrilling unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes at a staggering strike rate of 205.36. The strike helped Chennai Super Kings register their first win of the season after three straight defeats, while also marking the first century anniversary of IPL 2026.
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After joining CSK from Rajasthan Royals last year, the innings saw a strong turnaround after a poor start to the campaign.
Samson also became the first wicketkeeper-batsman to score a century for CSK and joined KL Rahul as the only players to score hundreds in three different IPL franchises.Suresh Raina, the former India and CSK batsman, believes the innings could be a defining moment in Samson’s season.“The monkey is off Sanju Samsun now after these 100. It’s never easy to step into a new franchise and deliver immediately, especially with the expectations Sanju came with.
Joining the most successful side in the IPL comes with tough performance expectations. “This century will help Samson silence his critics,” Raina said on Star Sports.Raina also highlighted how Samson’s presence at the top has strengthened CSK’s batting structure.“His presence as an opener sets up CSK’s middle order much better. When you have the ability to bring in Shivam Dube or bring in Ayush Mhatre, he comes in and plays freely because they have got a good start.”“He’s battling with a guy who seems in complete control of his game. He gives you luxury. Dewald Preves didn’t even come out to bat in this contest against Delhi. It just shows what the structure of your platform does to the rest of your team. The trickle-down effect is clear,” he added.While Samson’s strike made headlines, Raina reserved special praise for everyone
Jimmy Overton
who he felt was the most influential player in the game.“Jimmy Overton is a serious cricketer for me. He should have been player of the match. He beat all the DC players with his variations.“The four wickets he picked up on a batsman-friendly wicket was the point of difference. He’s one of those players you want in contention when he’s on the line. He loves the big moments. Every time he gets a chance around the world, whether it’s cricket or for England, he gets the job done,” he added.Turning to Delhi Capitals’ performance, Raina expressed concern about their reliance on youngster Samir Rizvi and the collapse of the middle order that saw them exit 189th.“When a team like DC is saved so many times by one player who is not your international star, it raises some concerns. It’s not as if Samir Rizvi has become an international star yet.“He came in and started his career really well, so the expectations are on him to lead the team.
For a relatively inexperienced player in IPL cricket, you don’t need that.“The alarm bells for me are that they lost wickets in quick succession in the middle phase of the run chase and were set up beautifully by the CSK bowlers after five overs to really turn the screws on a side that was low on form and confidence throughout the middle overs. But then they gave it all up,” Raina concluded.