‘MI-CSK rivalry brings out my best’: Sanju Samson after match-winning ton for CSK

Sealing a commanding win with a huge margin, the man of the hour, Sanju Samson, led from the front with a masterful century for Chennai Super Kings against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

Samson smashed a scintillating 101 off 54 deliveries, laced with 10 fours and six sixes, powering CSK to a formidable 207/6. In response, MI struggled throughout the chase and were eventually bowled out for just 104 in 19 overs.

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Reflecting on his innings, Samson credited the intensity of the MI-CSK rivalry for bringing out the best in him.

“It’s a very big occasion in IPL, everyone looks up to the CSK-MI game, and I have been a part of this for the first time. I could see the build-up and feel the intensity, that’s when my best comes out,” Samson said in a video shared by the IPL.

“I like challenges, I like when it’s tough, so I really enjoyed the game today. The wicket was not a typical Wankhede track, the ball was swinging around, and Jasprit Bumrah was bowling well with the new ball. It was a very competitive game, and I’m happy I could contribute to the win,” he added.

Opting to bat first, CSK delivered a clinical performance. Alongside Samson’s unbeaten ton, Dewald Brevis (21) and Kartik Sharma (18) made useful contributions.

MI, in reply, never found momentum and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Akeal Hosein starred with the ball, picking up four wickets, while Noor Ahmad chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Samson also highlighted the importance of collective effort in such high-pressure encounters.

“I think with the amount of youngsters in the team, I would definitely like to give credit to all the players who have contributed. It’s not about the 100 or the 4 wickets—I think all the small contributions from the batsmen and bowlers really count in this big game. Very happy for the victory, and we would like to keep the momentum going,” he said.

The 31-year-old further revealed his approach while nearing the milestone and his conversation with Hosein before the final over.

“When you get closer to your 100, you definitely want to score it, but I try to keep the team first. I got to a very good start, but wickets kept falling, so I wanted to build partnerships and stay till the end.

“Before the last over, Akeal and I had a chat—I told him I wanted to face all six balls. We were looking to maximise that over, and luckily it came off. It always feels special to score a hundred, and against MI at Wankhede, it’s even more special,” he added.