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He is the only real purpose why CSK continues to be alive within the event

SportsMay 5, 2026
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Sanju Samson powered Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to an eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals (DC) with a splendid 87-run knock off 52 balls on Tuesday, May 5. CSK chased down a 156-run target in 17.3 overs on a tough pitch.

Chennai were under pressure early, with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad (6 off 13) departing in the fourth over. Samson stood tall under pressure, sealing victory for his side with his batting exploits.

The wicketkeeper-batter hit six maximums and seven fours, finishing with a strike rate of 167.31. He was batting on 22 off 21 at one stage. However, he changed gears after that and put DC on the back foot with his counterattack.

Samson earned widespread praise on social media for his match-winning knock. Here are some of the top reactions on X:

No one has paced his innings across phases better than Sanju Samson this season. Top class control and game awareness.

CSK have finally and adequately replaced Mahi bhai with @IamSanjuSamson. His batting emanates a sense of composure that only Dhoni did back in the days. He always guides bowlers too, and is unfazed by any pressure during run chases. Great trade by CSK! #IPL2026

@45Fan_Prathmesh We saw Sanju Samson v2.0 in #t20iWC2026 and he is upgrading each game , v2.5

Opener Middle Order batter Finisher Game Awareness Calm and Control Wicket Keeper Sanju Samson, the go-to man for the Super Kings!

@mufaddal_vohra A classy knock under pressure by Sanju Samson — timing, composure, and intent all on point. Pure chase masterclass! 🔥

@CricCrazyJohns He is the sole reason why CSK is still alive in the tournament, forever greatful to Chetta

Sanju Samson has staged a brilliant turnaround after registering single-digit scores in the first three matches of IPL 2026. He has amassed 402 runs across 10 innings at a strike rate of 167.50 and is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer of the season.

“I was like I had to be a bit too selfish to get that” – Sanju Samson on his 87-run knock in DC vs CSK IPL 2026 match

Sanju Samson was declared the Player of the Match for his wonderful performance. At the post-match presentation, he was asked whether he had a hundred on his mind while batting.

The 31-year-old remarked that hundreds are special, but he would have been selfish to think about the personal milestone at that stage. Samson said (via Cricbuzz):

“Yeah, it was, but I was like I had to be a bit too selfish to get that. So I thought let’s win the game and the other partner was batting really well. So I didn’t want to tell him, ‘ek single dey de yaar, mai sau bana tha hoon’ [take a single, I will get my 100]. So I didn’t say that. So I think really enjoyed, I think coming not out, finishing off the game gives you a better satisfaction. So I just enjoyed it and few more games to go. Let’s see if I get those three figures once again.”

CSK have five wins and five defeats after 10 games and are placed sixth in the points table.