Anil Kumble breaks down Sanju Samson’s ‘straight bat’ masterclass, Cheteshwar Pujara sees CSK momentum shift

Sanju Samson was striking at 205.36 vs DC, also smacking 15 fours and four maximums. He stayed till the end, anchoring CSK's innings.

Published on: Apr 12, 2026, 14:55:57 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Anil Kumble and Cheteshwar Pujara hailed Sanju Samson's match-winning ton against Delhi Capitals on Saturday in Chennai. The Chennai Super Kings smacked an unbeaten 56-ball 115*, finally finding his form as his team also got their first win of the season. Before this, Samson had begun the campaign with scores of 6, 7 and 9 as CSK lost their first three games.

Chennai Super Kings' Sanju Samson plays a shot during his match-winning unbeaten ton. (ANI Pic Service)

Samson was striking at 205.36 vs DC, also smacking 15 fours and four maximums. He stayed till the end, anchoring CSK's innings as they posted 212/2 in 20 overs. Samson's knock was also IPL 2026's first hundred.

Also Read: Zaheer Khan spots big change in Sanju Samson's batting approach after CSK opener smashes stunning ton vs DC: ‘Risk-free’

‘Looking to play straight, not with a horizontal bat’: Anil Kumble

Speaking on JioHotstar, Kumble said, “You can see from his wagon wheel that he plays all around the ground. It’s not just that he has a strong offside or a strong onside. What was really impressive was that he was looking to play straight, not with a horizontal bat.”

"When your initial thought process is to play with a straight bat, and then you make those adjustments when a bowler pitches it short, it becomes much easier for a batter to score runs. His game awareness is excellent, and when he gets going, he makes it count.

"We saw that in the T20 World Cup. He didn’t convert those 90s into 100s, but it was different in this game. It was his first hundred for CSK and his fourth overall, a big relief for CSK fans, and also for Sanju Samson, as there was a lot of pressure on him after a tough first three games," he added.

‘Always about momentum’: Cheteshwar Pujara

Meanwhile, Pujara, a former CSK player, pointed out that the result would give CSK confidence and help them gain momentum.

"If you look at the CSK camp, the body language of each and every player, including the support staff, suggested that they needed this win desperately. They will be relieved, and now that they have their first win on the board, they will start believing they have a chance. Once you start winning in the IPL, it’s always about momentum," he said.

"You begin to believe that you can make it to the playoffs, because when you are losing, no matter how hard you try to maintain a good environment, there is always some negativity. But when you start winning, everyone begins to think positively," he added.

Chasing 213, DC were bowled out for 189 in 20 overs, courtesy of a four-wicket haul from Jamie Overton. Meanwhile, Anshul Kamboj took three dismissals.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.