Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson finally found his groove again and powered Chennai Super Kings to a breakthrough win in IPL 2026, steering the team to a dominant victory over Delhi Capitals on Saturday. The match was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where CSK compiled a huge 212/2 in their 20 overs. Samson was the centerpiece of the innings, smashing 115 off only 56 balls to set the tone and take the pressure off the rest of the batting unit. Delhi Capitals tried to chase the target and remained in the hunt for phases, but CSK’s bowling tightened at the right moments and DC were dismissed for 189, handing the Super Kings a comfortable 23-run win.
For Samson, the night carried added significance because it marked his long-awaited century after a rough patch in the early part of the season, when he had managed scores of three straight single digits. His innings not only ended the lean spell but also gave CSK their first win of the campaign, with the celebration that followed quickly becoming a talking point among fans and teammates.
As soon as he reached the three-figure mark, Samson was seen tipping his hat and pointing toward the CSK dugout, a gesture that drew immediate attention in the stands. Footage from the moment circulated widely, with many highlighting how the century felt both personal and symbolic for the franchise.
During the post-match interaction, Samson explained the meaning behind the celebration. He said the tribute was directed toward CSK head coach Stephen Fleming, adding that he wanted to dedicate the moment to someone he believes understands the pressure of leading a franchise consistently. “Yeah, that was I think for Fleming. I think I know that how hard it can get. I think leading a franchise from last five years, I know that how mentally challenging it can be. So I think I just wanted to dedicate this to our coach Fleming,” Samson said.
Samson’s 115 also added a rare line to his IPL legacy. He became the first player to register centuries for three separate IPL franchises, following his tons for Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals before delivering his first hundred for CSK. In doing so, he underlined his ability to make an impact even when changing teams and roles across seasons.
Reflecting on what the milestone meant to him, Samson said it carried a deeper emotional value, particularly because of the faith shown by the franchise. He added that the opportunity felt like responsibility, and he wanted to respond by putting on a performance that kept CSK firmly in the tournament. “It really means a lot, I think. To be very honest. I think the trust they showed in me, I think having that trade, I think it was a very responsible kind of a feeling that I need to put on a show. I need to stand up and say, ‘Okay, we are still in the tournament. And luckily, everything came off very nicely, I think.’ As you rightly said, it is not easy to start off the tournament like this in a different franchise, but it never felt like it is a different franchise,” he said.
Samson also described the environment within CSK as welcoming from day one, suggesting that the culture helped him settle quickly. He recalled that even after three consecutive defeats, the team stayed focused and united, pointing to a short meeting held before the match as evidence of the franchise’s togetherness. “I think it is like coming to another home. I think people are so sweet, so nice. And everyone is so calm and relaxed. Even losing three games in a row, we just had a meeting of 50 seconds today. I think that shows how much the franchise is like and that really connects with the person I am,” he added.
