CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad lavished praise on Sanju Samson after the Rajasthan Royals star produced a decisive knock against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. Samson struck an unbeaten 87 off 52 balls and, alongside Kartik Sharma, stitched a 114-run partnership to steer CSK to an eight-wicket win over DC at Delhi.
Samson’s impact and the numbers behind the innings
Samson has been a standout performer in IPL 2026 following a landmark Rs 18 crore move from Rajasthan Royals earlier in the tournament. He currently sits among the leading run-getters, remaining firmly in the Orange Cap conversation with 402 runs from 10 matches at an average of 57.42.
- Against Delhi Capitals, he finished unbeaten on 87 off 52 deliveries and was named Player of the Match.
- He has now become the first batter to feature in two hundred-plus partnerships versus Delhi Capitals in a single edition of the tournament.
- Earlier this season, he struck his first league-century, 115* against Delhi Capitals in Chennai.
- He followed it up with a second hundred, scoring 101 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
- During the April 2026 match against Kolkata Knight Riders, he crossed the 5,000-run milestone in his IPL career.
How the chase unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium
Chennai Super Kings kept their playoff hopes alive with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Delhi were held to 155/7 on a slow surface, a total CSK chased down with ease in 17.3 overs.
- Delhi Capitals made 155/7, with their innings shaped by disciplined bowling from Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad.
- In response, CSK reached the target comfortably despite early resistance, including contributions from Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs.
- Delhi slid to 69/5 and never managed to rebuild pressure after that.
- Sanju Samson then anchored the pursuit, striking at pace and staying unbeaten to complete the job.
- Kartik Sharma supported him throughout, and the two combined for an unbroken 114-run stand.
Gaikwad backs Samson as CSK’s backbone
After the win, Gaikwad made it clear how much Samson means to the side. In the post-match conference, he highlighted Samson’s role not only in the current campaign but also the tournament he had even in the World Cup, before adding that the batter is now central to CSK’s batting strength.
“Yes, definitely. On the batting side, I would say, I mean, more than grateful to have Sanju in the side after the tournament he had even in the World Cup and even now. So obviously he’s backbone now,” Gaikwad said.
Standings update: CSK gain ground, DC edge closer to elimination
The result had immediate implications in the playoff race. CSK moved up to fifth place in the IPL standings with the victory, while Delhi Capitals drew nearer to elimination.
