Some innings win you a match....
Some innings define a player.....
And some innings do both at the same time.....
Sanju Samson's 101 not out at the Wankhede Stadium last night belongs in that last category. It was not just a century. It was a one-man rescue mission, a history-making knock, and a statement that CSK have found the match-winner they traded Ravindra Jadeja to get.
The Innings — 101 Not Out off 54 Balls
While his teammates found it difficult to accelerate, Samson took the responsibility on his shoulders, dominating the bowling attack to smash a historic century which came off just 54 balls. He reached the milestone in style on the final delivery of the innings, pulling a boundary off Krish Bhagat to remain unbeaten on 101, helping Chennai post a formidable total of 207.
CSK's batting revolved around their new talisman — their second-highest score was 22. Let that sink in. In a total of 207, Samson scored 101. Every other CSK batter combined for 106 runs. He did not just anchor the innings — he carried it entirely on his shoulders.
Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad fell for 22. Sarfaraz Khan contributed 14. Shivam Dube managed just 5. Dewald Brevis scored 21 before falling. The top and middle order failed to capitalize on starts, leaving the innings disjointed.
But Samson stood firm. Ball after ball, boundary after boundary, he refused to let the innings collapse. And when the final ball arrived, he pulled it for four to reach his century — one of the most dramatic century completions you will ever see in the IPL.
The History He Made
With this century, Samson became the first-ever CSK batter to hammer a century against Mumbai Indians in IPL history.
Think about that record. CSK have played MI dozens of times since 2008. MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Murali Vijay, Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad — none of them ever reached three figures against MI in the IPL. Sanju Samson, in just his first season in yellow, got there first.
The 31-year-old from Kerala also equalled Rohit Sharma for the third-most T20 centuries by an Indian batter. In a list that includes Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, Samson now stands alongside Rohit. That is extraordinary company.
The Moment That Captured Everything
Samson scooped Bumrah for four over fine leg and on the next ball, as he took a single and moved to the other end, they shared a word with each other and had big smiles. Both men were enjoying being part of the CSK vs MI heat.
Sanju Samson, scooping Jasprit Bumrah at Wankhede and then sharing a smile with him. That is the image of this innings. Fearless. Joyful. Brilliant.
The Bowling — Akeal Hosein's Four-for
CSK's Akeal Hosein took 4 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs as MI crumbled to spin — eight of their XI out for single digits. Nine wickets fell to spinners — four for Akeal, two for Ghazanfar, and two for Noor — the most in a single IPL game at Wankhede.
MI were handed their biggest defeat in terms of runs in IPL history. CSK bowled them out for a score that made 207 look like 300.
IPL Bench Verdict
Sanju Samson came to CSK with a point to prove. After 13 seasons at Rajasthan Royals, after being traded away, after the whispers that he was inconsistent, that he never delivered when it mattered most — he arrived at Chepauk with something to say.
Two centuries in three innings. A historic first at Wankhede. A match-winning knock that single-handedly dismantled Mumbai Indians at their own fortress.
The Kerala King has found his throne. And it is painted yellow. 🦁
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