New Delhi: New team, three single-digit scores, and mounting expectations – the pressure is unwavering Sanzhou Samson At the start of IPL 2026. The move didn’t go entirely to plan initially, but the wicketkeeper-batsman responded with force when it mattered most.Facing Delhi Capitals, Samson rediscovered his rhythm and scored an unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, including 15 fours and four sixes, with a strike rate of 205.36. percussion power chennai super kings They registered their first win of the season after three consecutive defeats and also marked their first century of IPL 2026.The innings marked a strong turnaround after a poor start to the season after joining CSK from Rajasthan Royals last year. Samson also became the first wicketkeeper-batsman for CSK to score a hundred and became the only player along with KL Rahul to register hundreds for three different IPL franchises.Former India and CSK batsman Suresh Raina It’s believed this inning could be the defining moment of Samson’s season.“After this century, the monkey is off Sanju Samson’s back. It’s never easy to come into a new team and perform immediately, especially given the expectations that come with Sanju. Joining the most successful franchise in the IPL comes with strict performance expectations. This century will help Samson silence his critics,” Raina said on Star Sports.Raina also highlighted how Samson’s presence at the top order has strengthened CSK’s batting structure.“His presence as an opener has made CSK’s midfield order better. When you have the ability to inject Shivam Dube or bring in Ayush Mhatre, he comes in and plays freely because they have had a good start.“He’s batting with someone who looks like he has complete control of the game. It gives you a luxury. In this game against Delhi, Devalde Breves didn’t even come in to bat. That just goes to show what building your top order does to the rest of your team. The flow-on effect is obvious,” he added.While Samson’s batting grabbed the headlines, Raina reserved special praise for the all-rounder Jamie Overtonwho he considers to be the most influential player in the game.“Jamie Overton is a serious cricketer for me. He should have been man of the match. He outsmarted all the DC batsmen with his changes.“The four wickets he picked up on batting-friendly wickets were the difference. He is one of those players you want in the game. He loves the big moments. Whenever he gets an opportunity around the world, whether it’s franchise cricket or the England team, he gets the job done,” he added.Talking about Delhi Capitals’ performance, Raina expressed concern over their dependence on youngster Samir Rizvi and the breakdown of order in the midfield that led to them being bowled out for 189.“When a team like DC is bailed out multiple times by a player who is not an international standard superstar, it raises some concerns. Samir Rizvi is not an international standard superstar yet.“He came in and started his career, so there was an expectation that he would be able to lead the team. For players who are relatively inexperienced in IPL cricket, you don’t need to do this.“The wake-up call for me was that they lost wickets in quick succession in the middle stages of the run chase and after five overs the CSK bowlers set them up beautifully and really turned around a team whose entire mid-order was sluggish in form and confidence. But then they gave it all up,” Raina concluded.
