Chennai: Star Kerala batter Sanju Samson has etched his name in the record books, delivering a masterclass performance to hand the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) their first victory of the IPL 2026 season. During Saturday’s high-octane clash against the Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Samson slammed a magnificent unbeaten century, becoming the first-ever wicketkeeper-batter to score an IPL hundred for the Yellow Army.
This historic feat means Sanju has achieved a milestone that even legendary CSK captain MS Dhoni never managed during his tenure as a wicketkeeper. Dhoni’s highest score as a designated wicketkeeper for the franchise remains 84.
Stepping up in Dhoni’s absence behind the stumps, Samson put on a spectacular show for the home crowd. He smashed an unbeaten 115 off just 56 deliveries, accelerating at a phenomenal strike rate of 205.36. His explosive innings was studded with 15 boundaries and 5 towering sixes. He reached the magical three-figure mark in the 18th over with a boundary off T. Natarajan.
This marks Sanju Samson’s fourth century in his IPL career, having previously scored tons for the Delhi Capitals and the Rajasthan Royals. He joined CSK via a trade ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction and has proven his worth after a quiet start to the season.
CSK Registers First Win, Climbs Up the Points Table
Propelled by Samson’s breathtaking knock and a crucial half-century from Ayush Mhatre (59 off 36 balls), Chennai posted a massive total of 212/2 in their 20 overs. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad chipped in with 15, while Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on a quickfire 20 off 10 balls.
Defending the mammoth total, CSK restricted the Delhi Capitals and secured a clinical 23-run victory.
This win comes as a massive relief for the Super Kings. After suffering defeats in their first three outings of the season, this much-needed victory courtesy of Samson’s heroics has finally moved CSK off the bottom spot in the IPL 2026 points table, keeping their campaign alive and kicking.
