'Never easy walking into a new franchise': Ex-CSK star on Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson silenced critics with a stunning unbeaten 115 for Chennai Super Kings, securing their first win in IPL 2026. The wicketkeeper-batter's century, his first for CSK and third for a different franchise, revitalised the team. Suresh Raina lauded Samson's impact and praised Jamie Overton's match-winning bowling performance.
NEW DELHI: A new franchise, three single-digit scores, and mounting expectations - the pressure was firmly on Sanju Samson at the start of IPL 2026. The move hadn’t quite gone to plan initially, but the wicketkeeper-batter responded in emphatic fashion when it mattered most. Facing Delhi Capitals, Samson rediscovered his rhythm with a sensational unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, striking 15 fours and four sixes at a blistering strike rate of 205.
36. The knock powered Chennai Super Kings to their first win of the season after three straight defeats, while also bringing up the first century of IPL 2026. Having joined CSK from Rajasthan Royals last year, the innings marked a strong turnaround after a lean start to the campaign.
Samson also became the first wicketkeeper-batter to score a century for CSK and joined KL Rahul as the only players to register hundreds for three different IPL franchises. Former India and CSK batter Suresh Raina believes the innings could be a defining moment in Samson’s season. "The monkey is off Sanju Samson’s back now after this hundred.
It is never easy walking into a new franchise and performing immediately, especially with the expectations Sanju has come in with. Joining the joint most successful side in the IPL comes with hard performance expectations. This century will help Samson silence his critics," said Raina on Star Sports.