In a night full of drama and liberation, sanju samson Scored a breathtaking century that thrilled the fans at the iconic Wankhede Stadium during the high-voltage encounter of IPL 2026. Mumbai Indians And Chennai Super Kings On Thursday.
Samson’s unbeaten 101 off just 54 balls took CSK to a formidable total of 207/6, a score which at one point looked impossible given the lack of adequate support from the rest of the batting unit. The innings, studded with 10 fours and 6 sky-high sixes, was a perfect blend of composure and aggression, reminding everyone of his distinguished T20 pedigree.
Sanju Samson’s brilliant century
Coming into the match, Samson was under intense scrutiny after a poor start to his IPL 2026 campaign. Scores of 6, 7 and 9 in his first three matches had raised doubts over his form and role in the CSK setup. However, the Kerala batsman responded in style with his first century Delhi CapitalsAnd this innings against MI further cemented his resurgence.
It was Samson’s second century of the season and the fifth of his IPL career, underscoring his ability to bounce back under pressure. What was most striking was his control of the innings β he paced it smartly, picking up the pace at the right time and targeting both pace and spin with equal authority.
Took CSK’s batting on his shoulders
Despite Samson’s brilliance, CSK’s innings was far from a collective batting masterclass. The top and middle order struggled to make changes early on, with most of the batsmen contributing only brief cameos. The partnership failed to flourish, leaving Samson with the additional responsibility of carrying the innings.
He embodied that role flawlessly. Be it rotating the strike in calm phases or hitting boundaries at pace, Samson made sure the scoreboard kept ticking. His ability to shift gears, especially in the death overs, helped CSK cross the 200-run mark β a total that could prove decisive at such a high-scoring venue.
Also read: Here’s why CSK players are wearing black armbands in the IPL 2026 match against MI
continuation of the golden form
Samson’s bravery has come to light after his sensational performance in international cricket. during ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026He played a key role in India’s title-winning campaign and played crucial innings of 97, 89 and 89 in the Super 8, semi-finals and final respectively.
Although his transition into the IPL season was not a smooth one, performances like this highlight his mental strength and ability to rise to the occasion on big occasions. The confidence of his international success now seems to be translating into his franchise cricket as well.
The Wankhede crowd, known for its passion, was treated to a spectacle when Samson’s innings began. There was thunderous applause at each boundary and by the time he reached his century, the stadium erupted in celebration. Social media also erupted with praise, with fans and experts alike praising the elegance and authority of his knock.
Here’s how fans reacted:
It seems so from the way Sanju Samson is batting while playing at the peak.
Playing at the peak = Sanju Samson’s batting!
β Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 23 April 2026
That was a very neat knock π @IamSanjuSamson It was beautifully paced and calculated. Deserves a hundred π― π pic.twitter.com/U9XWoYJrJr
β Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) 23 April 2026
No player has scored more than 2 centuries for CSK…
This is the first season of Sanju and only half is ready. He already has two.
Stylish Samson ππ#MIvCSKβ Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) 23 April 2026
an innings that moved forward @ChennaiIPL Ahead, an innings that kept them together π
Sanju Samson in his 5th position #TATAIPL Century tonight, remain unbeaten throughout the inningsπ
Scorecard βΆοΈ https://t.co/gGt34dqUoq#TATAIPL | #khelbindaas | #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/Kgf5FGl7IO
β IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) 23 April 2026
CSK traded Sanju Samson when he was going through a bad phase.
After joining CSK, Mann has had one of the best T20 World Cup campaigns, winning the POTT, and has already scored 2 centuries for CSK.
A right decision like this changes your life forever. π pic.twitter.com/o3RexnMpzS
– Selflessβ΄β΅ (@SelflessCricket) 23 April 2026
This is one of the best innings of Sanju Samson.
While others were not able to handle the innings, he took full responsibility, held one end and still kept the runs flowing. Brilliant innings, and even better presence of mind. pic.twitter.com/GR1SMcV9PG
-Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintivari952) 23 April 2026
βWho is Sanju Samson?
He is light for the blind.
For the sick, a cure.
For the lonely, the company.
For sadness, for happiness.
Freedom to the prisoner.
To the disappointed, faith.
For the poet, a poem.
For the artist, a masterpiece.β pic.twitter.com/XGi3vc9Ga0-U’ (@toxifyxe) 23 April 2026
I really enjoy watching Sanju Samson bat. He is what I call a BOS player, there will always be bums in the seats – people willing to pay to see him play! And that usually gives a lot of value.
– Joy Bhattacharya (@joybhattcharjya) 23 April 2026
Suryakumar Yadav’s irreverently funny press conferences have made Sanju Samson a distinct beast, now he takes selfless risks and holds his moment like Virat Kohli.
Those wins in 3 World Cups and now CSK’s tremendous form in IPL pic.twitter.com/XyYeYezFY5
– Dilkesh (@Dilkesh1807) 23 April 2026
Another day, another century from Sanju Samson
101* runs in just 54 balls with the help of 1οΈβ£0οΈβ£ fours and 6οΈβ£ sixes#MIvsCSK #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/ZoF0k6jF8v
β Yuvraj Singh Fans (@Yuvifansclub) 23 April 2026
Sanju Samson is showing his talent yet this is 50% of his best, he has so much in him that one day he will break Chris Gayle’s record in IPL and also break Rohit’s record in ODI if he is allowed to open. pic.twitter.com/tuuqb7sXab
– Probability ImpliedProbability (@ProbabilityImp2) 23 April 2026
Century by Sanju Samson. π₯
– Samson’s 5th IPL century, 2nd century of this season. Brilliant innings by Sanju against Mumbai Indians. π«‘ pic.twitter.com/1GPBbMpAuI
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 23 April 2026
what a hundred “:”π― @IamSanjuSamson #CSKvsMI#IPL
-Jitendra Kumar (@jeet2304) 23 April 2026
What a player. what a shift
Second century in this IPL. accept praise @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/sWbixhXGzj– Parvez Ansari ΩΎΨ±ΩΫΨ² (@imparvez_) 23 April 2026
This is how you end an innings. A ton against arch rivals. @IamSanjuSamson You beautiful! ππ― #CSKvsMI
– PK (@pushkar76190944) 23 April 2026
what a player @IamSanjuSamson β€οΈππβ οΈ
good performance #cskvsmi pic.twitter.com/9BMHAGeEmM
β Biru Yadav (@RpooretYadav2002) 23 April 2026
what a batting @IamSanjuSamson π―
– Dhruva (@dhruvlenka) 23 April 2026
See also: Sanjiv Goenka consoles Rishabh Pant after LSG’s fourth consecutive defeat in IPL 2026
