As the Chennai Super Kings went back to winning ways in IPL 2026, spin legends Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh praised Sanju Samson’s century against the Mumbai Indians as one of the best in terms of game knowledge and context.
At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, Samson hit an undefeated 101 off 54 balls for his second century of the 2026 IPL season.
Kumble emphasized the effect of the knock on CSK, who are attempting to move up the points table following a run of subpar performances, while talking to Star Sports.
“CSK’s success has often been built on strong starts from their openers, and in the last few seasons, that hasn’t been consistent. Sanju Samson has stepped up in that context, two unbeaten hundreds in just seven matches, and has been instrumental in carrying the team through,” PTI quoted the great leg-spinner as saying.
“It’s similar to the role Jos Buttler played during Rajasthan’s run to the final, and you can clearly see that influence in the way Sanju has evolved his game.”
The century was one of Samson’s best knocks, according to former India off-spinner Harbhajan.
“Sanju Samson stood out because of his game awareness. A lot of players have talent, but very few understand how to pace an innings in different situations. He recognised the importance of batting till the end, especially with a young side around him,” Harbhajan said.
“After his half-century, he shifted gears, focused on singles and doubles, and ensured he stayed till the last phase. With wickets falling at the other end, he took responsibility and finished strongly.
“For me, this was one of the finest innings in terms of awareness and determination,” he added.
As a result, he became the first CSK player to make a century against the Mumbai Indians and the second player in the team’s history to achieve two hundreds in one IPL season, following Shane Watson (2018).
Suresh Raina, a former batter for CSK and India, too commended Samson’s knock.
“Sanju Samson was brilliant because he built his innings smartly. He took his time early, played with a straight bat, and respected the good deliveries, especially against someone like Jasprit Bumrah,” Raina said.
“At the same time, he was quick to capitalise on anything loose, using the pace and placing the ball really well. That balance between patience and intent stood out,” he added.
West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein (4/17) put on a game-winning performance to help the visitors win by a staggering 103 runs after Samson’s century led CSK to 207/6.
On CSK spinners’ attacking intent against MI, Harbhajan said, “What stood out was the intent of CSK’s spinners to take wickets. They were actually spinning the ball, which you don’t always see in T20 cricket these days. The amount of turn on this pitch was significant, and they used it brilliantly.
“Akeal Hosein, in particular, was outstanding, the way he dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, knowing his strength against the sweep, showed great awareness. For me, his spell was just as impactful as Samson’s century.
“Four wickets in a game like this is no less than a match-winning contribution.”
