Sanju Samson produced a stunning IPL comeback, smashing an unbeaten 115 off 56 balls against Delhi Capitals to guide Chennai Super Kings to their first win of the season. The innings not only ended Chennai’s losing streak but also silenced mounting criticism over his poor start.
The 31-year-old had managed just 6, 7 and 9 runs in his first three matches, raising doubts despite his recent heroics in India’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Early struggles triggered mental pressure
Samson admitted the rough start had taken a mental toll, despite entering the tournament in strong form. “Even if you are in great rhythm or winning matches for your country, a few failures can create doubts,” he said after the match.
He revealed he briefly questioned whether to change his approach or adopt a more aggressive style early in the innings. However, he chose to trust his natural game.
Back-to-basics approach pays off
Instead of overhauling his strategy, Samson focused on fundamentals — timing the ball better and closely watching the bowler’s release. “I’ve failed many times, and that teaches you how to come back. In such moments, you need to return to basics,” he explained.
The disciplined approach, combined with support staff guidance, proved decisive as he anchored Chennai’s innings with composure and authority.
Big trade brings added responsibility
Samson’s performance carries added significance after Chennai Super Kings traded high-profile players like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to bring him in from Rajasthan Royals. He acknowledged the weight of expectations, noting that adapting to a new team is rarely easy.
“The team showed faith in me, and I wanted to repay that with performance,” he said, adding that Chennai’s calm dressing room environment helped him settle quickly.
Calm team culture aids turnaround
Despite losing their first three matches, Samson highlighted Chennai’s composed approach. He pointed to a remarkably brief 50-second team meeting before the match as evidence of the team’s unique culture. “It shows how special this team is. Everyone remains calm and supportive,” he said.
Century dedicated to coach Fleming
After reaching his century, Samson saluted the dugout — a gesture he later revealed was for head coach Stephen Fleming. “I know how challenging it is for a coach. Having captained a team myself, I understand that pressure,” he said.
The knock not only marked a personal redemption but also signaled Chennai Super Kings’ potential revival in the IPL 2026 season.
