IPL: Sanju Samson knocks down MS Dhoni's record; joins KL Rahul to...

After three low scores, Sanju Samson returned to form with a hundred as Chennai Super Kings beat Delhi Capitals by 23 runs to record their first win of IPL 2026 in Chennai on Saturday.

Samson’s unbeaten 115 off 56 balls was the key to one of Chennai’s better batting performances this season.

Asked to bat first, the CSK batter registered his first notable innings in a Yellow jersey and shared a 113-run stand with Ayush Mhatre for the second wicket in a little over 11 overs.

It was Samson’s fourth IPL hundred, his first for CSK and the first of IPL 2026. He reached the century in 52 balls. He also went past MS Dhoni’s record for the highest score by a designated CSK wicketkeeper in the IPL, which was 84 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2019.

Samson also became the second batter to score a century for three IPL teams. He has centuries for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rajasthan Royals and CSK. KL Rahul was the first to do so, for Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals.

The innings came at a time when both Samson and CSK needed runs, and he delivered in front of the home crowd.

Samson (115 not out, 56 balls) and Mhatre (59 off 36 balls) added 113 runs for the second wicket to take CSK to 212 for two. Delhi Capitals were bowled out for 189, with Jamie Overton taking 4/18.

Tristan Stubbs scored 60 to keep Delhi Capitals in the chase.

This was Chennai Super Kings’ first win of the season, while Delhi Capitals suffered their second consecutive loss.

CSK are ninth in the table with one win and three losses, while DC are fourth with two wins and two losses.