In a night packed with drama and redemption, Sanju Samson delivered a breathtaking century that sent fans into a frenzy at the iconic Wankhede Stadium during the high-voltage IPL 2026 clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings on Thursday.
Samson’s unbeaten 101 off just 54 balls powered CSK to a formidable total of 207/6, a score that looked unlikely at one stage given the lack of substantial support from the rest of the batting unit. The innings, laced with 10 fours and 6 towering sixes, was a perfect blend of composure and aggression, reminding everyone of his elite T20 pedigree.
A brilliant century for Sanju Samson
Coming into the match, Samson was under intense scrutiny following a shaky start to his IPL 2026 campaign. Scores of 6, 7, and 9 in his first three outings had raised doubts about his form and role in the CSK setup. However, the Kerala batter responded in style earlier with a century against Delhi Capitals, and this knock against MI further cemented his resurgence.
This was Samson’s second hundred of the season and the fifth of his IPL career, underlining his ability to bounce back under pressure. What stood out most was his control over the innings — he paced it smartly, accelerating at the right moments and targeting both pace and spin with equal authority.
Carrying 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 convert starts, with most batters contributing only in brief cameos. Partnerships failed to flourish, putting additional responsibility on Samson to anchor the innings.
He embraced that role flawlessly. Whether it was rotating strike during quiet phases or unleashing boundaries in bursts, Samson ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. His ability to switch gears, especially in the death overs, helped CSK cross the 200-run mark — a total that could prove decisive in such a high-scoring venue.
Also READ: Here’s why CSK players are wearing black armbands in IPL 2026 match against MI
A continuation of golden form
Samson’s heroics come on the back of a sensational run in international cricket. During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he played a pivotal role in India’s title-winning campaign, delivering crucial knocks of 97, 89, and 89 in the Super 8, semifinal, and final respectively.
While his transition into the IPL season wasn’t seamless, performances like this highlight his mental strength and ability to rise on big occasions. The confidence from 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 as Samson’s innings unfolded. Each boundary was met with roaring applause, and by the time he reached his century, the stadium had erupted into celebration. Social media too buzzed with admiration, with fans and experts alike praising the elegance and authority of his knock.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Playing at the peak looks like the way Sanju Samson is batting.
Playing at the peak = Sanju Samson batting!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 23, 2026
That was a very composed knock 👊 @IamSanjuSamson paced it beautifully and made it count. Deserving hundred 💯 👏 pic.twitter.com/U9XWoYJrJr
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 23, 2026
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 🙌👏#MIvCSK— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 23, 2026
An innings that pushed @chennaiipl forward, an innings that held them together 👊
Sanju Samson with his 5️⃣th #TATAIPL ton tonight, staying unbeaten through the innings 👏
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/gGt34dqUoq#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/Kgf5FGl7IO
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2026
CSK traded Sanju Samson when he was going through a rough patch.
After joining CSK, man pulled off one of the best T20 WC Campaign, won POTT, and already scored 2 Hundreds for CSK.
This is how one correct decision changes your life forever. 💛 pic.twitter.com/o3RexnMpzS
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) April 23, 2026
This is one of the finest innings from Sanju Samson.
While others were not able to hold the innings together, he’s taken full responsibility, holding one end and still keeping the runs flowing. Brilliant knock, and even better presence of mind. pic.twitter.com/GR1SMcV9PG
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) April 23, 2026
“Who is Sanju Samson?
To the blind, he is light.
To the sick, a cure.
To the lonely, company.
To the sad, joy.
To the prisoner, freedom.
To the hopeless, belief.
To the poet, a verse.
To the artist, a masterpiece.” pic.twitter.com/XGi3vc9Ga0— U’ (@toxifyxe) April 23, 2026
I so enjoy watching Sanju Samson bat. He is what I call a BOS player, there will always be Bums On Seats -people willing to pay to watch him play! And he usually gives terrific value.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 23, 2026
SuryaKumar yadav’s irrelevant mocking press conference has been made Sanju Samson is an elite beast , now he takes selfless risk and keeps his moment like Virat Kohli .
Those 3 WC knocks and now tremendous form for CSK in IPL pic.twitter.com/XyYeYezFY5
— Dilkesh (@Dilkesh1807) April 23, 2026
Another day another Century for Sanju Samson
101* from Just 54 balls with 1️⃣0️⃣ fours 6️⃣ Sixes#MIvsCSK #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/ZoF0k6jF8v
— Yuvraj Singh Fans (@Yuvifansclub) April 23, 2026
Sanju Samson showing his talent yet still it is his 50% best only, He has so much in him one day he will break Chris gayle record in IPL and also Rohit record in ODI if he is allowed to open. pic.twitter.com/tuuqb7sXab
— ProbabilityImpliesPossibility (@ProbabilityImp2) April 23, 2026
HUNDRED BY SANJU SAMSON. 🔥
– 5th IPL hundred for Samson, 2nd century this season. A phenomenal knock by Sanju against Mumbai Indians. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/1GPBbMpAuI
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 23, 2026
What a Hundred 💪💪💯 @IamSanjuSamson #CSKvsMI#ipl
— JITENDRA Kumar (@jeet2304) April 23, 2026
What a player. what a inning
2nd hundred in this ipl. Take a bow @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/sWbixhXGzj— Parvez Ansari پرویز (@imparvez_) April 23, 2026
That’s how you finish an innings. A ton against the arch rivals. @IamSanjuSamson you beauty! 💛💯 #CSKvsMI
— PK (@Pushkar76190944) April 23, 2026
What a player @IamSanjuSamson ❤️🙏🙌☠️
Nice performance #cskvsmi pic.twitter.com/9BMHAGeEmM
— Beeru Yadav (@RpreetYadav2002) April 23, 2026
What a batting @IamSanjuSamson 💯
— dhruv (@dhruvlenka) April 23, 2026
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