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Sanju Samson has scored his maiden fifty in Chennai Super Kings colours in the ongoing IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday (April 11).
Chennai Super Kings raced to 77-1 in just 9.1 overs against Delhi Capitals, who opted to bowl after winning the toss. Sanju Samson stole the show with a blistering 52 off 29 balls, smashing nine fours at a strike rate of 179.31.
The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings with ruthless aggression, particularly during the mandatory powerplay where CSK plundered 61 runs. His partnerships-46 off 20 with Ruturaj Gaikwad and an ongoing 15 off 17 with Ayush Mhatre-kept the momentum alive on a batsman-friendly Chepauk pitch.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, however, endured another struggle, managing only 15 off
18 deliveries (one four) before holing out to Pathum Nissanka off Axar Patel at 62-1 in the 7th over. Gaikwad's laboured stay contrasted sharply with Samson's flair, highlighting his inability to rotate strike amid DC's tight bowling.
Sanju, who joined CSK after a big-money trade move from Rajasthan Royals, were struggling in the season so far, but his knock against DC is a much needed return to form. On the other hand, Ruturaj has been struggling this season, which has continued at Chepauk on Saturday as well.
Fans were not happy with the CSK captain, while they serenaded the praise for Sanju Samson after his stellar batting display.
"After a tough start, he is here to rule and take yellow army in his shoulders," wrote a fan on X.
- No blind slogging
- Shankar Bainara (@imbainara_dausa) April 11, 2026
- 100% Shot Control
- Not tried to hit every ball for boundary
Still Sanju Samson completed 50 within 26 balls. What a class. 🙌🏻💛#cskvsdc pic.twitter.com/cPINlgCHvO
What a Knock By Sanju Samson.🔥
- Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) April 11, 2026
Sanju Samson's form will be paramount if CSK are to make a surge forward after the disappointing start to the season.
Sanju Samson is BACK in style 🔥💛First half-century of the season for CSK’s star batter 💥
- Cricket Hub (@pah_thra) April 11, 2026
From quiet starts to roaring comeback ,Sanju has found his rhythm again 😤Timing, placement, confidence… everything looks back in form 🚀
CSK fans finally seeing the best version of Sanju
Fans have demanded Ayush Mhatre to open the batting along with Sanju Samson.
Its time for Ruturaj Gaikwad to move to no 3 and let Aysuh Mahatre open with Samson
- Cover Drive (@day6596) April 11, 2026
-In this era you cant afford an outdated T20 openers becz cashing the PP is very imporatant
-Gaikwad has a good spin game to bat at 3
-CSK lacks an explosive leftie batter in the Top 3#CSKvsDC pic.twitter.com/6gOwX4KzfJ
"Chennai Super Kings will not get support in home ground also if they continue with this Ruturaj Gaikwad," a fan wrote.
Even Virat Kohli changed his approach to match modern cricket.
- Thefitdoc (@Siddurp2) April 11, 2026
Meanwhile Ruturaj Gaikwad and the rest of Chennai Super Kings still think they can survive in 2026 playing like it’s 2016 😭
Consistency 🔥 is the key to become headmaster of Tuk Tuk Academy and my blud Ruturaj Gaikwad is already ahead of suryabhatta 🥵🔥 pic.twitter.com/twViol0JNk
- Tukda Academy (@TukDaacademy) April 11, 2026
