Hardik Pandya wore disappointment on his face after Mumbai Indians fell to defeat on Thursday, but he was quick to give Sanju Samson the credit. The captain pointed to Samson’s “outstanding” century as the key swing in a chase that never truly opened up for MI. He also noted that it marked MI’s first-ever three-match losing run at the Wankhede Stadium in IPL history.
Quick facts
- Sanju Samson scored his second IPL 2026 century: 101* off 54 balls
- His innings included 10 fours and six sixes, strike rate 187.04
- CSK finished on 207/6 in 20 overs
- MI were bowled out for 104 in 19 overs
- MI suffered their first three-match losing streak at Wankhede Stadium in IPL history
- MI are eighth in the standings with four points after seven matches (two wins, five losses)
- CSK now lead head-to-head vs MI in IPL with 19 wins from 40 matches
- Punjab Kings are second on the list vs MI with 18 wins from 35 games
- Since 2023, CSK have won five of their last six matches against MI in the IPL
- MI’s 104 all-out is their lowest IPL total against CSK, beating 136/8 in 2021
Samson struck in typical fashion, building an unbeaten 101 while keeping the innings anchored as CSK pressed forward. He stayed at the crease until the end, steering his side to a commanding 207/6 in 20 overs. MI’s target was simply too steep, and their batting collapsed to 104 all out in 19 overs.
Hardik, speaking after the game, stressed that the chase became difficult as soon as MI lost an early wicket in the powerplay. In his view, once that early setback arrives, the pressure of chasing a big total starts compounding quickly. He said MI could not get on top of the situation after that key moment.
He also pushed back against the idea that the Wankhede surface was behaving differently from the past. Hardik maintained that it was the same ground and the same kind of conditions, and that CSK were simply better on the day. With CSK posting 207, he felt MI’s answer should have begun earlier and been sharper with the bat.
Spinners did their part, Samson did more
Hardik praised the work of MI’s bowlers, including the spin department, suggesting they kept things under control for stretches. Yet he underlined that Samson’s innings was the decisive factor, with CSK’s batters continuing to contribute and tack on runs to reach a total he described as more than “decent” for the track. For MI to chase it down, he felt they needed a strong powerplay and momentum, but that was not something they managed.
Looking ahead, the captain hinted that playing XI adjustments will be discussed internally over the next couple of days. He indicated the team will revisit what has been working, evaluate options, and decide what changes—if any—will best suit their next challenge.
With this loss, MI find themselves running short on time in the season, sitting eighth in the table. After seven matches, they have four points, coming from two wins and five defeats.
The defeat also extended CSK’s dominance over MI in IPL meetings. Chennai have registered the most victories against Mumbai, with 19 wins in 40 encounters. Punjab Kings sit second in that head-to-head list, having beaten MI 18 times in 35 games, while CSK have also won five of their last six IPL matches against MI since 2023.
There was an added low point for MI as well: the 104 all out on Thursday became their poorest IPL total against CSK. It surpassed their 136/8 from 2021, underscoring how thoroughly Samson’s century set the tone and shut down MI’s chase.
