Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Sanju Samson finally delivered a statement innings for Chennai Super Kings, smashing a match-winning century against Delhi Capitals at Chepauk. His knock not only powered CSK to a crucial win but also earned high praise from bowling coach Eric Simmons, who compared Samson’s composure to that of MS Dhoni.
The hundred came at an important time for Samson, who had struggled in his first few outings for CSK after his move from Rajasthan Royals. Scores of 6, 7 and 9 had raised early questions, but the Kerala batter responded in style with a 52-ball century, the first of IPL 2026.
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“I’ve been privileged to spend many years playing and being involved with MS Dhoni, who is one of the calmest cricketers I’ve ever come across, and Sanju Samson is not far behind him. He understands the game from that perspective,” Simmons said.
“I’ve seen no panic, no sense of desperation. It’s just the way the game goes sometimes. You just have to keep trusting and believing in your quality, and he certainly has that in abundance,” he added.
Samson’s innings stood out not just for the numbers but for the control he showed throughout. He dominated the PowerPlay, scoring 45 of CSK’s 61 runs in the first six overs, setting the tone early against the DC attack.
His footwork was sharp, his shot selection clear, and there was a sense of calm authority that had been missing in his previous outings. Boundaries flowed freely as he mixed timing with placement, finishing with 14 fours and three sixes.
CSK built on that start, with contributions from the middle order pushing them to a strong total of 212 for 2. That cushion proved vital as DC threatened early in the chase before losing momentum.
HOW SAMSON ROARED BACK TO FORM
The innings felt like a reset for Samson. After a slow start to the season, he went back to basics, trusted his game, and let things fall into place.
He did not try to force the pace unnecessarily. Instead, he picked his moments, built partnerships, and accelerated when needed. That balance allowed him to control the innings rather than chase it.
More importantly, the knock showed clarity. Samson looked settled at the crease, reading conditions well and adapting to what the situation demanded.
With MS Dhoni still recovering and not fully available, CSK needed someone to take charge. Samson did exactly that, combining calmness with intent to deliver one of the standout performances of the season.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
