Sanju Samson Played a brilliant innings under pressure, scoring 87 not out off 52 balls Chennai Super Kings to beat Delhi Capitals by eight wickets in the 48th match of IPL 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. On a surface that offered grip and early on, CSK’s bowlers did well to restrict DC to 155/7 before Samson controlled the chase with satisfaction.Chasing 156, Samson opened the innings smartly, mixing caution with intent. His knock, which included seven fours and six sixes, ensured there were no major setbacks as CSK continued to march towards the target. He stepped up at the right moments, making a tough chase comfortable as the visitors cruised home with 15 balls to spare.The turning point came through his unbeaten 114-run partnership with Karthik Sharma, who contributed well with 41 not out. The pair absorbed the early pressure and then took advantage as the pitch softened, with Samson’s calculated aggression against Kuldeep Yadav and T Natarajan sealing a crucial win that kept CSK in the play-off race.Here’s what experts have to say about Samson’s performance:“Sanju Samson is batting at his peak right now, and what is his awareness of the game, he is very clear about which bowlers to target and which to respect. You could see he was cautious against someone like Lungi Ngidi, but as soon as a low-risk option came, he understood the match more and started understanding it. The important thing is that he can finish games,” Irfan Pathan said on JioStar. Taking responsibility, especially on difficult levels, and doing it consistently. This is what defines a batsman in top form.“Sanju Samson showed exactly what you expect from a senior player. He stayed calm under pressure, didn’t panic, and chose his moments to attack. When the game started to slow down and the dot balls created pressure, he took it upon himself to change the momentum. Experience at the other end,” Mark Boucher said on JioStar. What stood out was his control; He never looked rushed and looked comfortable in a challenging chase with a complete, all-round innings.“I didn’t think Sanju Samson’s stock could go any higher, but he has added value with this innings. The level of control he brings to the dressing room reflects experience and leadership. He lets his performances do the talking,” Eoin Morgan said on JioStar.“Even though he (Samson) had a dream at the end of the T20 World Cup and then he came to CSK and missed it a couple of times, there will still be some pride and pressure and almost some sense that you can overplay it a little bit in your head that you really want to get a new position here,” Aaron Finch said on ESPNcricinfo. This is what you’re trading for and the superstar you’re crying out for. So, the fact that he is batting at a different level is great to see.“This could be Sanju Samson’s most successful IPL season. I don’t think he is someone who can score 500 every season, he might have done it once or twice but this year, he can do it,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. [other teams] Allow CSK to qualify, then we all know what can happen. This is because Sanju has now become a clutch player. If there is pressure in the game, he is raising his hand. Earlier they didn’t like him but in the last 18 months, if the pressure is on, Sanju is coming into the game.“
