Chennai Super Kings after enduring three successive losses in IPL 2026, registered their first win in IPL 2026 when they beat Delhi Capitals by 23 runs on Saturday. Their skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad lauded his bowling unit for being effective and proactive as possible.
Sanju Samson bounced back to form by scoring an unbeaten century while Jamie Overton claimed a four-wicket haul to secure their first points of the season.
The CSK skipper lauded Samson for leading the team’s innings with a brilliant century while lauding the bowlers for hitting aggressive lengths.
“Feels good to finally get the win. Great performance. Always felt that coming here, we had been batting well. To post 200-210, when the wicket is on the slower side, we were showing good signs. One of those knocks where Sanju took on the opposition, played a magnificent knock. Ayush (Mhatre) also. But today was about the bowling. Taking wickets, bowling aggressive lengths,” Gaikwad said.
“We do not have that X-factor in the bowling, but we have been discussing on how to be more effective and more proactive. In the last few games, we were almost there. Some big overs cost us. Bowling-wise, we were on the mark tonight. We were set back in the powerplay but we came back after it,” he added.
Gaikwad also had a word of appreciation for the CSK fans who had been backing the franchise despite poor form since last season.
“That is what this side of the country is – wonderful people and loving the franchise,” he concluded.
CSK finally got their first win of the season, ending a six-match losing streak at home.
After being asked to bat first by Delhi Capitals, Samson led the charge with a brilliant unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, hitting 15 fours and four sixes. He was well supported by Ayush Mhatre, who scored 59 off 36 balls with three fours and four sixes. Together, they helped CSK post a strong total of 212 for 2 in 20 overs.
In reply, Delhi got a good start with Pathum Nissanka scoring 41 off 24 balls and sharing a 62-run partnership with KL Rahul. Tristan Stubbs also fought hard with a quick 60 off 30 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup couldn’t contribute much.
CSK bowlers kept picking up wickets at regular intervals, with Overton taking 4 for 18 and Kamboj chipping in with 3 for 35, making sure DC fell short of the target.
With this win, CSK are now placed ninth on the points table with one win and three losses, while DC sit fourth with two wins and two losses.
