Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey has credited Sanju Samson’s composure and ability to read the match for helping Kartik Sharma successfully settle into a pressure chase against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Hussey highlighted that the calm wicketkeeper-batter and the young partner combined for a decisive 114-run stand, guiding CSK to a successful run chase of 156 in just 17.3 overs.
Samson and Kartik’s match-winning partnership
Hussey felt Samson’s calmness and awareness of the situation proved crucial during the middle phase of CSK’s chase, especially after the team suffered back-to-back setbacks. In that critical period, Kartik came in and steadied the innings with a controlled, mature effort.
- Samson and Kartik put together a match-turning partnership worth 114 runs.
- Kartik remained unbeaten on 41 off 31 balls to finish the chase.
- CSK chased down a target of 156 with 17.3 overs to spare.
Second straight unbeaten finish for Kartik
The batting coach also pointed out that this was not a one-off effort from Kartik. Hussey noted that Kartik—who was acquired for Rs 14.20 crore—has now stayed unbeaten through the end in his second consecutive game.
- This was Kartik’s second successive match where he remained not out till the finish.
- Kartik’s contract value was Rs 14.20 crore.
Hussey explains what Samson did to keep Kartik calm
In remarks shared through a video posted by IPL on X, Hussey explained how having an experienced batter at the other end can make a difference for a younger player. He stressed that Samson’s presence helped Kartik stay composed, particularly when the innings required awareness rather than panic.
- Hussey said it’s important for an experienced player like Samson to be in the middle with a developing batter such as Kartik.
- He added that talking through situations can help keep a young player calm under pressure.
Why Kartik’s approach stood out
Hussey further praised Kartik’s temperament and decision-making. He said Kartik did not feel forced to clear the boundary at all costs, instead showing maturity as he handled a run-a-ball phase.
- Hussey noted Kartik did not panic when he was operating around a run-a-ball.
- He said it could have been easy for Kartik to think about hitting a quick set of sixes, but that was not his instinct.
The CSK batting coach also underlined Kartik’s strengths in terms of game sense, batting craft, and power—suggesting that skill and situational understanding still have a major place in modern T20 cricket.
- Hussey praised Kartik’s game sense and overall batsmanship.
- He highlighted Kartik’s power, while emphasising his ability to read conditions and play the situation.
- He argued that players with good craft and situational awareness remain valuable in the modern game, not just those who rely on explosive hitting.
CSK’s standings and next fixture
After securing the win, CSK sit sixth in the points table with 10 points from five matches. Their next game will be against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 10.
