Sanju Samson’s Century Powers CSK to First Win; Dedicates Knock to Stephen Fleming

Sanju Samson produced a captain’s knock under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 115 to lead Chennai Super Kings to a vital 23-run win over Delhi Capitals in their 2026 Indian Premier League match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

The innings not only secured CSK’s first win of the season but also marked a strong comeback for Samson after a string of disappointing performances.

A Tribute to Stephen Fleming

Samson celebrated his century with a salute, later revealing that the gesture was dedicated to CSK head coach Stephen Fleming.

“That was for Fleming. I understand how challenging it can be to lead a franchise for years. I just wanted to dedicate this innings to him,” Samson said during the post-match presentation.

Back to Basics After Failures

The Indian opener had endured a difficult start to the season, registering scores of 6, 7, and 9 during CSK’s three consecutive defeats. Reflecting on his turnaround, Samson emphasised the importance of returning to fundamentals.

“Failures teach you how to come back. Mentally, you keep evaluating whether to attack or adjust your approach. Eventually, it’s about going back to basics—getting into the right mental zone, watching the ball closely, and focusing on timing,” he said.

His response was emphatic. Samson’s unbeaten 115 off 56 deliveries, featuring 15 fours and four sixes, anchored the innings and set up CSK’s much-needed victory, ending their early-season struggles.

Finding Comfort in a New Franchise

Having moved from Rajasthan Royals to CSK this season, Samson admitted that adapting to a new team environment can be challenging, but credited the franchise for making the transition seamless.

“It’s never easy joining a new team, but it never felt like that. It felt like coming to a second home. The trust shown by the franchise gave me a strong sense of responsibility,” he noted.

He also highlighted the simplicity of the team’s approach, revealing that despite three consecutive losses, the squad held a brief 50-second meeting before the match—something he said resonated with his mindset.

Key Partnership with Ayush Mhatre

A crucial element of CSK’s innings was Samson’s 113-run partnership with young batter Ayush Mhatre, who contributed a composed 59.

“Partnerships like these are vital. It never looked like he was fresh from the U-19 level—he was very calculative. It speaks volumes about his character,” Samson remarked.