NEW DELHI: A new franchise, three single-digit scores, and heightened expectations – the pressure was firmly on. Sanju Samson At the start of IPL 2026. The move didn’t go as planned initially, but the wicketkeeper-batsman responded in style when it mattered most.Facing the Delhi Capitals, Samson rediscovered his rhythm with a sensational unbeaten 115 off 56 balls with 15 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 205.36. The knock gave strength. Chennai Super Kings First win of the season after three consecutive defeats, while also the first century of IPL 2026.Having joined CSK from Rajasthan Royals last year, the innings marked a strong turnaround after a lean start to the campaign. Samson also became the first wicket-keeper batsman to score a century for CSK and joined KL Rahul as the only player to register centuries for three different IPL franchises.Former India and CSK batsman Suresh Raina He believes this innings could be a defining moment in Samson’s season.“After this century, the monkey is off Sanju Samson’s back. It’s never easy to go to a new franchise and perform immediately, especially Sanju with the expectations that come with a tough performance joining the most successful team in the IPL. This century will help Samson silence his critics,” Raina said on Star Sports.Raina also highlighted how Samson’s presence at the top has strengthened CSK’s batting structure.“His presence as an opener makes CSK’s middle order a lot better. When you have the ability to inject Shivam Dubey or bring in Ayush Mahatre, they come in and play freely because they’ve got a good start.“He is batting with a guy who is in complete control of his game. It gives you the luxury. Dewald-Bruce didn’t even come out to bat against Delhi. It just shows what the right top-order structure does to the rest of your team. The flow-on effect is obvious,” he added.While Samson’s knock grabbed the headlines, Raina had special praise for the all-rounder. Jamie Overtonwho he felt was the most impressive player in the game.“Jamie Overton is a serious cricketer for me, he should have been man of the match. He outplayed all the DC batsmen with his variations.“The four wickets he took on a batting-friendly wicket was the point of difference. He’s one of those players you want in the competition when it’s on the line. He loves big moments. Whenever he gets a chance around the world, whether it’s franchise cricket or for England, he does it,” he added.Turning to Delhi Capitals’ performance, Raina expressed concern over the reliance on youngster Sameer Rizvi and the collapse of the middle order which bowled them out for 189 runs.“When a team like DC has been bailed out twice by a player who isn’t your international-caliber superstar, it raises a bit of concern. It’s not like Sameer Rizvi is an international-caliber superstar right now.“He’s come in and he’s had a great start to his career, so the expectation is on him to lead the team after that. You don’t need that for a relatively inexperienced player in IPL cricket.“The alarm bell for me is that they lost quick wickets in the middle stages of the run chase and were set up beautifully by the CSK bowlers after five overs to turn the tide on a side that has lacked form and confidence throughout the middle. But then they let it all go,” concluded Raina.
