Zaheer Khan lauded Sanju Samson\u2019s latest match-winning display after Chennai Super Kings dismantled Mumbai Indians by 103 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The knock was another reminder of why CSK moved for the opener from Rajasthan Royals, with Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran going the other way in the trade.<\/p>\n
Samson once again set the tone for CSK, remaining unbeaten on 101 off 54 deliveries. His innings came studded with 10 fours and six maximums, while his strike rate read 187.04. He stayed at the crease throughout, and the finish was just as emphatic: Samson reached the milestone off the final ball, clobbering a six as CSK posted 207\/6 in their 20 overs.<\/p>\n
While Samson\u2019s form has fluctuated at various points in the season, Zaheer highlighted the way the batter appears to have settled into a repeatable plan for long innings under CSK. Speaking on Cricbuzz, the former India cricketer said Samson looks increasingly comfortable in his role, suggesting he has learned when to accelerate and when to anchor.<\/p>\n
Zaheer pointed out that Samson\u2019s mindset seems to be: when he gets in, he can adjust his tempo\u2014getting out early if needed on the days it doesn\u2019t come off, but when he stays, he makes the innings count. He also described how Samson\u2019s shot selection has become more deliberate, showing clear options depending on how the ball arrives.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is looking more and more assured of playing a long innings. The day he is in, he can get out early, but the day he is in, he\u2019s going to make it count,\u201d Zaheer said, adding that Samson is no longer appearing rushed. He suggested the opener is using a defined thought process, choosing whether to attack the pace, drive through the covers when the ball is offered up, or go for shots on the leg side when deliveries are pitched accordingly. Zaheer also noted that if the ball isn\u2019t in his scoring zone, Samson is prepared to defend rather than force the issue.<\/p>\n
Zaheer further summed up what impresses him most right now: the confidence Samson shows at the crease. \u201cThat is something giving you a glimpse of a man having immense confidence in his abilities right now, that if I\u2019m there, I\u2019m going to bat at that strike rate. That is something which is amazing right now, he\u2019s done for himself,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Samson currently sits third in the Orange Cap standings, having amassed 293 runs across seven matches. His average is 58.60, and his strike rate stands at 178.65. He has also struck two centuries in IPL 2026.<\/p>\n
Zaheer Khan lauded Sanju Samson\u2019s latest match-winning display after Chennai Super Kings dismantled Mumbai Indians by 103 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4984,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Zaheer Khan: Sanju Samson\u2019s CSK Match-Winning IPL Innings","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Zaheer Khan praises Sanju Samson\u2019s explosive 101* for CSK, as Chennai crushes Mumbai Indians by 103 runs\u2014Samson\u2019s match-winning turnaround explained.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n