Kaif, Dhawan blown away as Sanju Samson fires 101* vs MI in stunning IPL knock: ‘So elegant, so pleasing to the eyes’

Sanju Samson's knock sent fans and former players into a state of meltdown, as they took to X to hail the India opener.

Published on: Apr 23, 2026, 23:06:04 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Sanju Samson once again justified Chennai Super Kings' decision to bring him from Rajasthan Royals. The CSK opener smacked an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls against Mumbai Indians on Thursday, and was his side's anchor as they reached 207/6 in 20 overs. He joined CSK in a trade after last season, following Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran's moves to RR.

Sanju Samson got his second IPL 2026 hundred on Thursday. (AFP)

This was Samson's second hundred of the season, having hammered an unbeaten 115 off 56 against Delhi Capitals. But he has been on the receiving end of criticism due to his inconsistency. But at the Wankhede Stadium, he was a man on a mission, clobbering 10 fours and six maximums. He was also striking at 184.04, reaching his ton in the final ball of the innings with a six.

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Former players hail Sanju Samson

Samson's knock sent fans and former players into a state of meltdown, as they took to X to hail the India opener. Former India player Mohammad Kaif wrote, "Sanju Samson is a world class batter.. So elegant so pleasing to the eyes."

Meanwhile, ex-player Aakash Chopra wrote, “No player has scored more than 2 centuries for CSK… This is Sanju’s first season and that’s only half done. He’s already got two. Stylish Samson.”

Irfan Pathan joined in, stating, “Playing at the peak looks like the way Sanju Samson is batting. Playing at the peak = Sanju Samson batting!”

Shikhar Dhawan added, “That was a very composed knock @IamSanjuSamson paced it beautifully and made it count. Deserving hundred”.

Samson had a tough start to this season, managing only 22 runs in his first three innings. His unbeaten 115 against Samson proved to be a wake-up call, and then he got a 48 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Over a week later, he got his ton against MI. It is also the first time in his career that he has managed two tons in a single IPL season.

Against MI, Samson got 83 off 40 balls balls against pace bowling, striking at 207.5. He got 10 fours and five sixes against the pacers. Meanwhile against spinners, he got 18 off 14 deliveries, striking at 128.6 and also a maximum.

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

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