Match 48 of IPL 2026 saw CSK trounce DC in their own backyard to keep Playoffs hope alive. CSK are 6th with five wins in 10 games. With four matches left and 22 overall to go in the league phase, they will fancy their chances.
The hero for CSK was Sanju Samson, whose 52-ball 87 not out saw the visitors home by eight wickets with 15 deliveries left.
Sanju Samson Puts CSK First
Samson hit seven fours and six sixes. His partnership of 114 for the 3rd wicket with Kartik Sharma (41 not out) was the telling factor for CSK. The 31-year-old had the chance to score a 100 but put the team's cause ahead of a personal milestone. Samson said that it would have been too 'selfish' of him to go for a century even though he would have loved to hit what would have been this 3rd one this season. This attitude won the heart of Sunil Gavaskar who hailed him for playing for the team.
© X/IPL
Unselfish Attitude of Sanju Samson
"Hundreds are always special. Yeah, it was (on his desire to get the 100 against Delhi), but I felt I had to be a bit too selfish for that. So I thought, let's win the game. The other partner was batting really well, and I didn't want to tell him, 'ek single de de yaar, main sau bana leta hoon' [take a single, I'll get my 100]. So I didn't say that. I really enjoyed it, coming not out and finishing the game gives you better satisfaction," he said after the game.
Sunil Gavaskar in Awe of Sanju Samson
"Patience brings great rewards. He got set and then accelerated. Had Kartik not finished it off with those shots, Samson might have had his century. But he played for the team," Gavaskar said on commentary.
© X/IPL
Sanju Samson Ruling IPL 2026
After a shaky start in IPL 2026, Samson rediscovered the form he had in the T20 World Cup that helped India win the title. He now has made 402 runs in 10 innings at an average of 57.42 and strike rate of 167.50. Add to that two 100s and a 50 with a personal best of 115 not out. There is a chance he could win the Orange Cap when the season ends. As of now, he is in 5th position.
Can CSK Own an IPL Record?
CSK face LSG on May 10. LSG themselves are in last position. At the moment, all 10 teams have a shot at the Playoffs and all four spots are up for grabs. By May 24, the top four shall be known. On May 31, we will know who the winners are. If CSK win IPL 2026, they will own the record of most IPL titles. At the moment, they share it with MI.