Sanju Samson (Image credit: BCCI/IPL/CSK)
New Delhi: The monkey was finally off Sanju Samson’s shoulders. Emotions ran high for the wicketkeeper-batsman as his teammates surrounded him with high fives, hugs and celebrations. However, Samson looked calm and content, smiling broadly after playing a key role in Chennai Super Kings’ maiden win in IPL 2026.Samson, who scored 6, 7 and 9 in CSK’s first three matches, returned in style with a brilliant century to lead his side to a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals on Saturday, finally opening their account after three successive defeats.
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The batsman, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season, made his first major contribution in CSK colors after early struggles. He entered the Indian Premier League with high expectations, having scored three half-centuries in India’s T20 World Cup win on home soil in March.Samson’s unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, coupled with Aayush Mhatre’s 59 off 36, took CSK to 212 for 2. The duo compiled a 113-run stand for the second wicket. In reply, Delhi Capitals stumbled to a brilliant spell from Jimmy Overton, who took 4 for 18 as they were bowled out for 189.“It really means a lot. The trust they showed was very responsible. Fortunately, everything went well. It never felt like a different privilege.”
People are very nice. “We met for 50 seconds today even after losing three games,” Sanju Samson said after being named man of the match.“I’ve failed a lot. The mind moves a little bit here and there. I want to know what my basics are. It’s about doing the basics right. We’ve had some good sessions with the support staff,” he added.Samson was the main architect of CSK’s memorable night in Chibok. Asked to bat first, he scored his first big knock in a CSK jersey and shared a dominant partnership with Mhatre, who showed his growing maturity in a lively stand of 113 runs in just over 11 overs.This was Samson’s fourth IPL and his first for CSK, as well as his first century of the 2026 IPL season. The knock was crucial in restoring confidence among CSK fans, especially after a poor start to the campaign.“It was very important that we have great partnerships. Aayush showed a lot of maturity. (In his celebration) it was for Fleming, and I know how challenging it can be. I just wanted to dedicate this to him,” he said.