Anil Kumble believes Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals was not just a big score, but a clear example of how technical discipline can turn into match-winning batting in the IPL. The former India captain highlighted Samson’s intent to play with a straight bat and his ability to make adjustments as bowlers changed lengths, crediting that foundation for the way the innings developed. The knock delivered CSK a 23-run win at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, and it also marked Samson’s first century of the IPL 2026 season after a difficult start that yielded little in his opening three matches for Chennai Super Kings.
Key takeaways
- Sanju Samson struck an unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals, guiding Chennai to a 23-run victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
- Anil Kumble praised Samson for looking to bat straight and for adjusting when bowlers offered shorter deliveries.
- The hundred was Samson’s first of the IPL 2026 campaign and the fourth century of his IPL career.
- Kumble noted Samson’s tactical awareness, saying his game improves once he settles in.
- Cheteshwar Pujara felt the win will build confidence and momentum for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK group.
Kumble breaks down Samson’s “straight bat” approach
Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble pointed to how Samson’s shot selection shows intent across the ground, but he stressed that the real standout feature was the batter’s preference for playing straight rather than swinging across the line with a horizontal bat. In Kumble’s view, that initial mindset makes run-scoring simpler, because it creates a base from which a batter can react to variations—particularly when a bowler bowls short and forces the batter to make quick corrections.
He also referenced Samson’s earlier experience at the T20 World Cup, describing how the context was different in this particular match. Kumble said that while Samson had reached scores in the 90s during that tournament without finishing the job, this innings turned into a hundred at the right time—one that carried extra significance as it was his first century for CSK.
For CSK supporters, Kumble framed the knock as a major turning point. He underlined that Samson had faced pressure following a lean spell in his first three appearances, and that the century provided a big relief for both the franchise and the player himself. Kumble further pointed out that Samson’s awareness of the game is “excellent,” and once he finds rhythm, the impact is clear on the scoreboard.
Pujara expects CSK’s win to spark momentum
Cheteshwar Pujara, who was part of the CSK set-up during the IPL 2021 season, offered insight into why the result matters beyond the immediate margin. He said the overall atmosphere in the CSK camp—including the players and even the support staff—indicated that the team needed this win “desperately.”
In Pujara’s assessment, once the first victory arrives, belief grows quickly. He suggested that with the first win on the board, CSK would start to feel they still have a genuine pathway to continue their campaign strongly. He also emphasised the momentum factor that often defines IPL seasons: when a team is losing, maintaining a positive environment becomes difficult and negativity can creep in; when results improve, confidence lifts and everyone starts thinking more constructively about reaching the playoffs.
