After three quiet games, Sanju Samson regained his batting range with an incredible century, and bowlers’ fangs rose again as Chennai Super Kings defeated Delhi Capitals by 23 runs on Saturday to record their first IPL 2026 victory in Chennai.
CSK reached a competitive 212/2 thanks to Samson (115 not out, 56 balls) and Ayush Mhatre (59, 36 balls) adding 113 runs for the second wicket, while the Delhi Capitals faltered against Jamie Overton’s outstanding performance (4/18) to be bundled out for 189.
With a brave half-century, 60-year-old Tristan Stubbs delayed the inevitable for DC. The Capitals suffered their second straight loss, while it was the Super Kings’ first victory of the year.
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Delhi made a daring start while chasing 213, scoring 61 in only five overs thanks to a brilliant partnership between openers KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka (41).
However, DC lost some momentum once Nissanka was fired. Khaleel Ahmed grassed Nissanka’s catch off Anshul Kamboj, but he was unable to utilize the opportunity as he spooned the subsequent ball off the pacer to Dewald Brevis at the circle’s edge.
DC was still in a strong position at 61 for two in 5.2 overs, but the Chennai bowlers changed their tactics to come back in the game.
Earlier, with Sanju Samson shedding his lackluster start to the IPL 2026 season with a brilliant century and Ayush Mhatre providing another glimpse into the future with a fluid half-century, CSK posted a huge 212/2.
The cornerstone of CSK’s dominant batting effort in front of their home crowd was his undefeated 115 off 56 balls, which included 15 fours and four sixes.
The CSK player, who was selected to bat first, produced his first significant knock while wearing a yellow jersey. He and Mhatre had a great partnership for the second wicket, scoring 113 runs in just over 11 overs.
It was Samson’s fourth IPL century, the first in IPL 2026 and the first for CSK. Samson’s outstanding batting in front of home supporters was crucial for both CSK and himself to regain the trust of “Anbu-den” supporters.
It was a classic Samson inning. In previous games this season, the Kerala batsman appeared uncertain about his foot placements and field placements, but on this occasion, a familiar Samson reappeared.
The shots poured in all directions off the field as the hands, feet, and eyes regained their coordination. Even in Power Play, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was unable to accelerate, and Samson’s aggressiveness was the sole foundation of his 62-run first wicket partnership.
Samson showed promise early on with two consecutive fours off pacer Mukesh Kumar, but his most notable stroke throughout his tenure was a six over extra cover off left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Samson also benefited from luck when Pathum Nissanka dropped him on 55 close to long-off off Axar Patel. The 31-year-old made DC pay for their oversight by taking full advantage of his reprieve. As CSK progressed well, Samson reached his hundred in 52 balls and fifty in 26 balls, one less than Mhatre.
Conversely, Mhatre was an absolute pleasure to watch until he was retired after a well-planned knock to make room for the powerful Shivam Dube. However, up until that point, Mhatre gave the Chepauk audience some impressive shots.
