Sanju Samson answers talk with first IPL 2026 hundred for CSK
Chetta at Chepauk has delivered for CSK at home in yellow. Sanju Samson put the talk around his move to Chennai Super Kings to one side with a clear statement knock against Delhi Capitals in Chennai. After three low scores at the start of the season, he delivered when it mattered, scoring 102 off 52 balls to lead CSK’s charge.
CSK reached 180 for 2 in 17.5 overs after being put in to bat. Samson set the pace early and did not slow down. He hit 14 fours and three sixes, keeping control through the innings. He also survived a drop on 52, and Delhi paid for it.
This was his first hundred of the season and his fourth in the IPL. It also marked a return to form after a quiet start with his new team following the trade from Rajasthan Royals. There had been questions around the move, but this innings settled some of that.
Milestone night as he joins 400-sixes club
Samson also reached a personal milestone during the innings, becoming the third Indian to cross 400 sixes in T20 cricket, alongside Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. A standing ovation for Chetta! Sanju Samson becomes the second batter to score centuries for three IPL sides – RR, DC, and now CSK.
He built a steady stand with Ayush Mhatre, who made 59 before retiring out late in the innings as CSK pushed for a bigger finish. The last five overs brought 51 runs, lifting the total beyond 180 with overs still left.
For CSK, this was the innings they needed from a senior batter. For Samson, it was a reminder of his record in big moments. After a slow start, he now has a score that can shape his season.
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