NEW DELHI: The monkey was lastly off Sanju Samson’s shoulders. Feelings ran excessive for the wicketkeeper-batter as teammates surrounded him with high-fives, hugs, and celebrations. Samson, nonetheless, appeared calm and content material, flashing an enormous smile after enjoying a key position in Chennai Tremendous Kings’ first win of IPL 2026.Samson, who managed scores of 6, 7 and 9 in CSK’s first three matches, roared again in type with a powerful century to information his crew to a 23-run win over Delhi Capitals on Saturday, lastly opening their account after three straight defeats.The batter, who was traded from Rajasthan Royals forward of the season, delivered his first main contribution in CSK colors after early struggles. He had entered the IPL with excessive expectations, having hit three half-centuries in India’s T20 World Cup triumph at dwelling in March.Samson’s unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, together with Ayush Mhatre’s 59 off 36, powered CSK to a commanding 212 for two. The duo stitched collectively a 113-run stand for the second wicket. In response, Delhi Capitals faltered towards an excellent spell from Jamie Overton, who picked up 4 for 18 as they have been bowled out for 189.“Actually means so much. The belief they confirmed, it was very accountable. Fortunately all the things got here off properly. It by no means felt like a unique franchise. Persons are so good. We had a gathering of fifty seconds at the moment even after dropping three matches,” Sanju Samson stated after being named Participant of the Match.“I’ve failed so much. Thoughts will get a bit right here and there. I must know what my fundamentals are. It is about doing the fundamentals proper. We did some good periods with the assist employees,” he added.Samson was the chief architect of CSK’s memorable night time at Chepauk. Requested to bat first, he registered his first huge knock in a CSK jersey and shared a dominant partnership with Mhatre, who showcased his rising maturity in an important stand of 113 runs in simply over 11 overs.It was Samson’s fourth IPL hundred and his first for CSK, in addition to the primary century of the IPL 2026 season. The knock was essential in restoring perception among the many CSK devoted, particularly after a poor begin to the marketing campaign.“It was essential to have nice partnerships. Ayush has proven a lot maturity. (On his celebration) That was for Fleming, I understand how difficult it may be. I simply needed to dedicate this to him,” he stated.