{"id":2127,"date":"2026-04-12T09:15:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T09:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/zaheer-khan-lauds-sanju-samsons-bold-shift-after-csks-ipl-2026-turnaround"},"modified":"2026-04-12T09:15:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T09:15:16","slug":"zaheer-khan-lauds-sanju-samsons-bold-shift-after-csks-ipl-2026-turnaround","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1win.za.com\/ipl\/zaheer-khan-lauds-sanju-samsons-bold-shift-after-csks-ipl-2026-turnaround","title":{"rendered":"Zaheer Khan lauds Sanju Samson\u2019s bold shift after CSK\u2019s IPL 2026 turnaround"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan singled out Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter delivered a statement hundred in Chennai Super Kings\u2019 23-run win over Delhi Capitals on Saturday. The victory ended CSK\u2019s early slump and secured the franchise their first success in IPL 2026, following losses in their first three matches.<\/p>\n<h2>CSK\u2019s turnaround after a tough start<\/h2>\n<p>CSK had endured a difficult opening stretch, and Samson himself had been under scrutiny after modest outings with scores of 6, 7, and 9. With questions growing around the decision to move for him, the opener responded emphatically against Delhi.<\/p>\n<p>In the match that mattered, Samson silenced the debate with a calm, calculated hundred\u2014remaining unbeaten and steering CSK to a total that proved just out of reach.<\/p>\n<h2>Samson\u2019s unbeaten 115* sets the tone<\/h2>\n<p>Batting at a strike rate of 205.36, Samson played a composed innings without taking unnecessary chances, hammering the bowling while keeping the tempo under control. His effort came in the form of an unbeaten 115 off just 56 balls.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Runs: 115*<\/li>\n<li>Balls faced: 56<\/li>\n<li>Fours: 15<\/li>\n<li>Sixes: 4<\/li>\n<li>Strike rate: 205.36<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>What stood out was his ability to balance aggression with risk management. Instead of chasing moments, he built CSK\u2019s innings steadily and ensured the side could carry momentum through to the finish.<\/p>\n<h2>Zaheer Khan explains the evolution in Samson\u2019s game<\/h2>\n<p>Zaheer Khan praised Samson when asked about his impact during the innings. The former India cricketer highlighted how Samson\u2019s batting has shifted over the last couple of years\u2014from a heavier focus on slogging to a more complete, percentage-driven style.<\/p>\n<p>Zaheer noted that Samson now combines a 200-plus strike rate with the ability to rack up boundaries through 15 fours and four sixes, while still \u201ckeeping the percentage in his favour.\u201d He added that the batter\u2019s improved awareness of field placements has helped him identify lower-risk scoring options\u2014allowing him to think through how to sustain an innings in T20 cricket without sacrificing efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>Zaheer also suggested that CSK\u2019s decision to bring in a top-order batter who can control the game\u2019s tempo was rooted in the belief that such a player can guide younger teammates. He expressed that if Samson continues playing this role, CSK can see a revival despite the difficult start, with the motivation to turn that desperation into wins.<\/p>\n<h2>Scoreline: CSK post 212\/2, DC fall short<\/h2>\n<p>Samson\u2019s unbeaten knock powered Chennai Super Kings to 212\/2 in their 20 overs. The total placed Delhi Capitals under significant pressure during the chase.<\/p>\n<p>Delhi could not cross the line and were bowled out for 189 in 20 overs, falling 23 runs short of the target.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>CSK: 212\/2 in 20 overs<\/li>\n<li>DC: 189 all out in 20 overs<\/li>\n<li>Result: CSK won by 23 runs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With the ball, CSK\u2019s effort was led by Jamie Overton, who took four wickets. Anshul Kamboj also made an impact by claiming three dismissals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan singled out Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter delivered a statement hundred in Chennai Super Kings\u2019 23-run win over Delhi&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2126,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Zaheer Khan Applauds Sanju Samson After CSK IPL 2026 Win","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Zaheer Khan praises Sanju Samson\u2019s fearless century as CSK\u2019s IPL 2026 turnaround gathers pace with a big win over Delhi Capitals.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - 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