New Delhi: Sanju Samson roared back to form in style with a classy century for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Saturday, April 11. Samson smashed a 52-ball ton to notch up his maiden century for CSK and his fourth overall in the IPL. The right-hand smashed a stroke-filled unbeaten 115 off 56 balls.
All eyes were on the star opener after his three consecutive failures in CSK’s first three matches of the season. He made a brilliant comeback with a splendid ton, the first by any batter in the IPL 2026 so far. Samson’s 115 and Ayush Mhatre’s 59 off 36 balls helped CSK post a strong total of 212/2 in 20 overs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Samson, who joined CSK from RR ahead of IPL 2026, had a far from ideal start to his stint in yellow as he managed scores of 6, 7 and 9 in his first three innings for the franchise. The opener managed to get the monkey off his back with his blazing 115-run knock against the Delhi Capitals.
Samson got CSK off to a strong start after the hosts lost the toss and were asked to bat first in the game. He added a 62-run opening stand with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who managed only 15 off 18 balls before getting dismissed by Axar Patel in the very first over after Powerplay. The 62-run partnership became CSK’s highest so far this season.
After Gaikwad’s departure, Samson joined hands with Ayush Mhatre to continue the momentum. Mhatre hammered a quickfire 59 off 36 and played perfect support to Samson, with the duo adding 113 runs for the second wicket. Mhatre was subbed out in the 18th over as CSK opted for Shivam Dube to help them finish strongly.
Samson and Dube combined to score 37 runs off the last 15 balls to help CSK cross the 210-run mark. Samson’s unbeaten 115 was laced with 15 fours and 4 sixes as he returned to his usual best after three consecutive failures. The right-hander will hope to continue his fine form as CSK look to bounce back after their poor start.