Sanju Samson: The 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 delivered a thrilling contest at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Chennai Super Kings defeated Delhi Capitals by 23 runs. However, the biggest headline of the night belonged to Sanju Samson, who produced a remarkable performance with the bat and etched his name into multiple record books.
The star wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson smashed a stunning century and became only the fourth Indian cricketer to hit 400 sixes in T20 cricket, joining the elite company of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. His innings also marked the first century of the IPL 2026 season, making it a historic night for the explosive batter.
Alongside Samson’s heroics, the match featured dramatic moments, outstanding fielding efforts-including a spectacular diving catch by Sarfaraz Khan-and a tactical retirement that added another rare entry to IPL history.
Sanju Samson’s Historic Century in IPL 2026
Batting with confidence and composure, Sanju Samson reached his century in style during the 18th over. On the fifth ball of the over, he drove a powerful boundary to complete his hundred, sending the Chepauk crowd into celebration.
This knock was particularly significant for several reasons. Not only did it become the first century of IPL 2026, but it also marked Sanju Samson’s fourth century in IPL history. His innings showcased remarkable timing, fearless stroke play, and the ability to accelerate when needed.
The century also made Samson only the second Chennai Super Kings batter to score a century against Delhi Capitals in Chennai, after Murali Vijay, who scored 113 runs in the 2012 IPL qualifier at the same venue.
Sanju Samson’s IPL Centuries
| Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102 (63) | Rising Pune Supergiant | Pune | 2017 |
| 102* (55) | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad | 2019 |
| 119 (63) | Punjab Kings | Wankhede | 2021 |
| 115* (56) | Delhi Capitals | Chepauk | 2026 |
Samson’s innings demonstrated why he remains one of the most dangerous and entertaining batters in T20 cricket.
Sanju Samson Enters Elite 400 Sixes Club
Another major milestone came during the same innings when Sanju Samson crossed 400 sixes in T20 cricket, becoming the fourth Indian player to reach the landmark.
Most Sixes by Indian Batsmen in T20 Cricket
| Player | Sixes |
|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 554 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 442 |
| Virat Kohli | 441 |
| Sanju Samson | 401 |
Joining such an elite list highlights Samson’s reputation as a fearless power hitter. Over the years, his aggressive batting style and ability to clear boundaries with ease have made him a crucial figure in T20 cricket.
Ayush Mhatre Creates IPL Record Before Turning 19
While Sanju Samson dominated the headlines, young talent Ayush Mhatre also grabbed attention with a memorable innings.
Mhatre scored 59 runs before being tactically retired out in the 17th over to allow a fresh batter to accelerate the scoring in the final overs. The move allowed Shivam Dube to walk in and attack the bowling during the death overs.
The 19-year-old’s innings was special because it marked his third 50+ score in the IPL before turning 19, placing him among the youngest players to achieve such consistency.
Most 50+ Scores in IPL Before Age 19
| Player | 50+ Scores |
|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 4 |
| Ayush Mhatre | 3 |
| Prithvi Shaw | 2 |
Rare “Retired Out” Entry in IPL History
Ayush Mhatre’s tactical exit also made him the sixth player in IPL history to be retired out, a strategy occasionally used in T20 cricket to increase scoring momentum.
Players Retired Out in IPL History
| Player | Score | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 28 (23) | LSG | Wankhede | 2022 |
| Atharv Taide | 55 (42) | DC | Dharamshala | 2023 |
| Sai Sudharsan | 43 (31) | MI | Ahmedabad | 2023 |
| Tilak Varma | 25 (23) | LSG | Lucknow | 2025 |
| Devon Conway | 69 (49) | PBKS | Mullanpur | 2025 |
| Ayush Mhatre | 59 (36) | DC | Chepauk | 2026 |
The tactical call showed how teams are increasingly experimenting with aggressive strategies in T20 cricket.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Stunning Diving Catch
Fielding also played a major role in shaping the outcome of the match. One of the most memorable moments came in the 7th over of Delhi’s innings.
Delhi captain Axar Patel attempted a cut shot off a short-of-length delivery from Gurjapneet Singh. However, the ball flew towards the point region where Sarfaraz Khan produced a brilliant diving catch, leaping to his right to complete a spectacular dismissal.
The catch not only removed Axar Patel for just one run but also provided a huge momentum boost for Chennai.
Missed Chances Help Sanju Samson and Ayush Mhatre
The match also featured several dropped catches that proved costly for Delhi Capitals.
In the 10th over, Sanju Samson received a major lifeline when Pathum Nissanka dropped a catch at long-off. The ball slipped from his hands and raced away to the boundary, allowing Samson to continue his innings.
Ayush Mhatre also survived two chances. First, spinner Kuldeep Yadav failed to hold onto a return catch during his follow-through. Later, David Miller attempted a diving catch at long-on but could not control the ball.
These missed opportunities ultimately allowed both batters to build significant partnerships and push Chennai to a commanding total.
Controversy Over Tristan Stubbs’ Gloves
Another dramatic moment occurred during the final stages of Delhi’s innings. Tristan Stubbs requested permission to change his gloves, but the fourth umpire denied the request, leading to visible frustration in the Delhi camp.
Moments later, Stubbs attempted to hit a length delivery from Jamie Overton over mid-off. However, the ball struck the top edge of the bat and ballooned into the air.
Noor Ahmad sprinted backward from mid-off to take a comfortable catch. The wicket proved to be a turning point in the match, effectively ending Delhi’s hopes of a comeback.
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A Night Dominated by Sanju Samson
While the match included several key moments, Sanju Samson remained the undisputed star of the evening. His record-breaking century, entry into the 400-six club, and match-defining innings ensured Chennai Super Kings secured a comfortable victory.
With this performance, Sanju Samson has once again proved why he is considered one of the most exciting batters in modern T20 cricket. As IPL 2026 continues, fans will be eager to see whether Samson can maintain this extraordinary form and lead his team toward another memorable campaign.
