Ruturaj Gaikwad hailed Sanju Samson as the driving force behind Chennai Super Kings’ batting after the wicketkeeper-batter produced a match-winning unbeaten 87 in Delhi on Tuesday. The knock powered CSK to an eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals.
Samson’s innings was his third score of 80 or more in IPL 2026 since joining his new franchise, and CSK have emerged victorious in every match where he has managed to surpass 40. It also reflects the momentum he carried into the back half of the 2026 T20 World Cup, where Samson was named player of the tournament during India’s title-winning run.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Gaikwad said, “From the batting perspective, I’d say I’m really grateful to have Sanju in the team, considering the kind of tournament he had—both in the World Cup and now. So yes, he has become a backbone for us.”
One hallmark of Samson’s batting—his calm, measured approach—was less visible at the start of the World Cup. His early habit of settling deep in the crease initially left him exposed to deliveries pitched fuller.
However, he addressed those problems in style with a knock of 97 not out against West Indies in a virtual quarter-final, and from that point the pieces began to fall into place. What has helped him turn things around?
Samson explained after the game, “We try to understand what actually works best for you, and then you stick to the basics. You trust your hands to do the job in this format. So I’ve been focusing on that over the last two or three months. I’ve been working a bit on my initial movement, and it has been coming off nicely.”
He added, “Yes, I’ve been doing [staying back in the crease] for the last three to five years, so comfort definitely plays a big role in your mindset and the confidence you have when you’re batting. And of course, it’s also a tactical decision. Depending on the bowlers and the pitch, I try to move around a bit.”
With this result, CSK sit on ten points from six matches, currently positioned sixth. Even so, the gap between them and the sides occupying second through fifth is just two points, keeping the race wide open. Their next challenge will be crucial: CSK face Lucknow Super Giants in back-to-back matches—first at home on May 10 and then away on May 15—with the opportunity to climb further up the standings.
