Sanju Samson bounced back from a run of low totals with a commanding century as Chennai Super Kings defeated Delhi Capitals by 23 runs in Chennai on Saturday—helping CSK register their maiden win of IPL 2026 in the city. Chasing a challenging target, Delhi were bowled out for 189, despite a late fight led by Tristan Stubbs, who scored 60.
Samson’s century turns the tide for CSK
After three underwhelming scores, Samson returned to the form that has defined his IPL career. The CSK batter struck his hundred during CSK’s innings, reaching the milestone in 52 balls. It was his fourth ton in the league, his first for Chennai, and also the first century of IPL 2026.
The knock carried extra significance in the Super Kings record books. Samson surpassed MS Dhoni’s benchmark for the highest score by a designated CSK wicketkeeper in the IPL—previously 84, scored against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2019.
Milestones beyond a single match
Samson’s innings also placed him among an elite group of players who have managed to convert starts into centuries for multiple franchises. He became only the second batter to score an IPL hundred for three different teams.
- Samson has centuries for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings.
- KL Rahul was the first to achieve the same feat, having scored for Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals.
How CSK built the total and how Delhi responded
Chasing the game, Delhi Capitals were never allowed to fully settle as CSK’s top order combined effectively. Samson, who finished 115 not out off 56 balls, teamed up with Mhatre to put together a major stand.
- Samson and Mhatre added 113 runs for the second wicket.
- That partnership propelled CSK to 212 for two.
- Mhatre contributed 59 off 36 balls.
Delhi Capitals were then dismissed for 189. Jamie Overton was the standout with figures of 4/18, ensuring CSK defended the total comfortably.
In reply, Stubbs kept the chase alive with a 60-run effort, but the rest of the batting order failed to sustain momentum as Delhi fell short by 23 runs.
Samson’s Shastri tribute and the bigger picture
After the innings, Samson used a mid-innings interview moment to thank commentator and former India coach Ravi Shastri. He expressed that meeting Shastri before matches has become a “lucky” ritual for him, and also reflected on how failures can raise doubts even for players in different phases of their careers.
With this result, Chennai Super Kings secured their first win of the season, while Delhi Capitals suffered their second consecutive defeat.
