Zaheer Khan lauded Sanju Samson’s latest match-winning display after Chennai Super Kings dismantled Mumbai Indians by 103 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The knock was another reminder of why CSK moved for the opener from Rajasthan Royals, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran going the other way in the trade.
Samson once again set the tone for CSK, remaining unbeaten on 101 off 54 deliveries. His innings came studded with 10 fours and six maximums, while his strike rate read 187.04. He stayed at the crease throughout, and the finish was just as emphatic: Samson reached the milestone off the final ball, clobbering a six as CSK posted 207/6 in their 20 overs.
Zaheer Khan explains Samson’s “CSK formula”
While Samson’s form has fluctuated at various points in the season, Zaheer highlighted the way the batter appears to have settled into a repeatable plan for long innings under CSK. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former India cricketer said Samson looks increasingly comfortable in his role, suggesting he has learned when to accelerate and when to anchor.
Zaheer pointed out that Samson’s mindset seems to be: when he gets in, he can adjust his tempo—getting out early if needed on the days it doesn’t come off, but when he stays, he makes the innings count. He also described how Samson’s shot selection has become more deliberate, showing clear options depending on how the ball arrives.
“He is looking more and more assured of playing a long innings. The day he is in, he can get out early, but the day he is in, he’s going to make it count,” Zaheer said, adding that Samson is no longer appearing rushed. He suggested the opener is using a defined thought process, choosing whether to attack the pace, drive through the covers when the ball is offered up, or go for shots on the leg side when deliveries are pitched accordingly. Zaheer also noted that if the ball isn’t in his scoring zone, Samson is prepared to defend rather than force the issue.
Zaheer further summed up what impresses him most right now: the confidence Samson shows at the crease. “That is something giving you a glimpse of a man having immense confidence in his abilities right now, that if I’m there, I’m going to bat at that strike rate. That is something which is amazing right now, he’s done for himself,” he said.
Samson’s season numbers and recent trajectory
Samson currently sits third in the Orange Cap standings, having amassed 293 runs across seven matches. His average is 58.60, and his strike rate stands at 178.65. He has also struck two centuries in IPL 2026.
- He began the season with a shaky start, scoring 7 against Punjab Kings and 9 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Against Delhi Capitals, Samson bounced back with a fluent 115*.
- He followed that with 48 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
- In the match versus Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was dismissed early again, managing just 7, which drew criticism over inconsistency.
- In the Thursday clash against Mumbai Indians, Samson delivered when it mattered most, producing his unbeaten 101*.
