In a night full of drama and redemption, Sanju Samson delivered a breathtaking century that sent fans into a frenzy at the magnificent Wankhede Stadium during the high-tension IPL 2026 clash between. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings on Thursday.
Samson’s unbeaten 101 from just 54 balls took CSK to 207/6. The innings, laced with 10 fours and 6 powerful sixes, was a perfect blend of composure and aggression, reminding everyone of his elite T20 generation.
Brilliant century for Sanju Samson
Coming into the match, Samson was under intense scrutiny after a shaky start to the IPL 2026 campaign. Scores of 6, 7 and 9 in his first three outings raised doubts about his form and role in the CSK set-up. However, the Kerala batsman responded in style against a century earlier Capitals of Delhiand this knock against MI fueled his revival.
It was Samson’s second hundred of the season and fifth of his IPL career and highlighted his ability to bounce back under pressure. What stood out the most was his control over the innings – he stepped smartly, accelerated at the right moments and targeted both pace and spin with equal authority.
He carries CSK’s batting on his shoulders
Despite Samson’s brilliance, CSK’s batting was far from a collective batting masterclass. The top and middle order have struggled to convert starts, with most batsmen making only brief cameos. Partnerships failed to develop and this put an added responsibility on Samson to close the innings.
He accepted this role flawlessly. Whether it was a spinning strike during the quiet phases or opening the boundaries in bursts, Samson ensured the scoreboard was marked. His ability to shift gears, especially in the death overs, helped CSK cross the 200-run mark – which could prove crucial at such a high-scoring venue.
Also READ: Here’s why CSK players wear black armbands in IPL 2026 match against MI
Continuation of the golden form
Samson’s heroics come on the back of a sensational run in international cricket. during ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026he was instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign, hitting crucial knocks of 97, 89 and 89 in the Super 8, semi-final and final respectively.
While his transition into the IPL season has not been flawless, performances like these highlight his mental strength and ability to step up in big situations. The belief in his international success now extends to his franchise cricket.
The Wankhede crowd, known for their passion, were treated to a spectacle as Samson’s innings opened. Every boundary was met with thunderous cheers and when he reached his century, the stadium erupted into celebration. Social media was abuzz with admiration, with fans and pundits alike praising the elegance and prestige of his tattoo.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Playing at the top is like Sanju Samson’s batting.
Playing on top = Sanju Samson strike!
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 23, 2026
It was a very discreet knock 👊 @IamSanjuSamson he sped it up nicely and made it count. It deserves a hundred 💯 👏 pic.twitter.com/U9XWoYJrJr
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) April 23, 2026
No player has scored more than 2 centuries in CSK…
This is Sanju’s first season and only half of it is complete. He already has two.
Handsome Samson 🙌👏#MIvCSK— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 23, 2026
A shot pushed @chennaiipl forward, the shot that keeps them together 👊
Sanju Samson with 5️⃣ #TATAIPL ton tonight, remaining unbeaten through the innings 👏
Account card ▶️ https://t.co/gGt34dqUoq#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/Kgf5FGl7IO
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2026
Sanju replaced Samson as CSK went through a rough patch.
After joining CSK, the man has pulled off one of the best T20 WC Campaigns, won the POTT and has already scored 2 Hundreds for CSK.
So one right decision changes your life forever. 💛 pic.twitter.com/o3RexnMpzS
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) April 23, 2026
This is one of Sanju Samson’s best shots.
While others couldn’t hold the innings together, he took full responsibility, held one end and still kept the runs going. Bright tattoo and better presence of mind. pic.twitter.com/GR1SMcV9PG
— Vipin Tiwari (@VipinTiwari952) April 23, 2026
“Who is Sanju Samson?
It is light for the blind.
Healing the sick.
Alone, company.
Sadness, joy.
Freedom for prisoners.
To the hopeless, to faith.
A verse to the poet.
It is a masterpiece for an artist.” pic.twitter.com/XGi3vc9Ga0— U’ (@toxifyxe) April 23, 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 watch him play! And it’s usually great value.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) April 23, 2026
SuryaKumar yadav’s trivial mock press conference done Sanju Samson is an elite beast, now he takes a selfless risk and saves his moment like Virat Kohli.
Beating these 3 WCs and now a great form for CSK in the IPL pic.twitter.com/XyYeYezFY5
— Dilkesh (@Dilkesh1807) April 23, 2026
Another day another century for Sanju Samson
101 off just 54 balls with 10 fours and 6 sixes#MIvsCSK #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/ZoF0k6jF8v
— Yuvraj Singh Fans (@Yuvifansclub) April 23, 2026
Sanju Samson shows his talent but it’s only his 50% best, one day he has so much in him that he will break Chris Gayle’s record in IPL and also Rohit’s record in ODI if he is allowed to open. pic.twitter.com/tuugb7sXab
— ProbabilityImpliesPossibility (@ProbabilityImp2) April 23, 2026
ONE HUNDRED SANJU SAMSON. 🔥
– 5th IPL hundred for Samson, 2nd century this season. 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 an innings
2nd hundred in this ipl. Take the bow @IamSanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/sWbixhXGzj— Parviz Ansari (@imparvez_) April 23, 2026
This is how you finish a shot. A ton against 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 fight @IamSanjuSamson 💯
— dhruv (@dhruvlenka) April 23, 2026
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