Sanju Samson's 101 not out steers CSK past MI at Chepauk

Key facts

• Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls against Mumbai Indians on May 2, 2026.
• He hit 10 fours and 6 sixes in his innings.
• Samson had scored 11 runs in 15 balls in the previous match against Gujarat Titans.
• The match was played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
• Samson had earlier scored the maiden century of IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals.
• Both CSK and MI are in the bottom half of the points table past the halfway mark.
• Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar leads CSK bowling with 10 wickets.

Samson’s second century of the season powers CSK

Sanju Samson returned to form with a blistering unbeaten 101 off 54 balls for the Chennai Super Kings against the Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday evening. The innings, which included 10 fours and six sixes, marked his second century of the IPL 2026 season after he had scored the tournament's first hundred against the Delhi Capitals earlier. Samson had endured a brief slump in the preceding match against the Gujarat Titans, where he managed only 11 runs from 15 balls. His latest knock reaffirmed his role as CSK's leading run-scorer this season, having consistently delivered since his maiden century.

Match context and stakes for both teams

The encounter came at a critical juncture for both franchises, which occupy the bottom half of the points table beyond the tournament's halfway mark. For CSK, Samson's innings provided a much-needed boost to their playoff aspirations, while MI sought to arrest their own slide. The match was scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, with alternative viewing times of 10:00 AM Eastern, 8:00 AM Mountain, and 7:00 AM Pacific. Fans in India and Bangladesh could watch on the Star Sports Network or stream via JioHotStar, while those in the USA and Canada had access through Fubo or Willow.tv.

Key batting and bowling leaders for CSK

Chennai Super Kings' statistical leaders across batting and bowling categories include Sherfane Rutherford, Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, and Suryakumar Yadav, each with one half-century. Ryan Rickelton, N. Tilak Varma, and Quinton De Kock have each scored one century. On the bowling front, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar leads the team with 10 wickets. These figures underscore the contributions of multiple players, though Samson's consistency has been a standout feature of CSK's campaign.

Samson’s journey from slump to resurgence

Samson's performance against MI was a sharp contrast to his previous outing against Gujarat Titans, where he fell early for 11 runs. The turnaround demonstrated his ability to rebound quickly, a trait that has made him a linchpin in CSK's batting order. His unbeaten 101 came off just 54 balls, a strike rate of 187, and included a boundary every 5.4 balls on average. Such aggression has been a hallmark of his batting since the start of the season, when he set the tone with the tournament's first century.

Wider implications for CSK and MI

Both teams face an uphill climb to secure a playoff spot, with the points table showing them in the bottom half. For CSK, Samson's form offers a ray of hope, but the team needs consistent contributions from other batsmen and bowlers to mount a sustained challenge. MI, meanwhile, will look to regroup after the loss, with their own batting and bowling leaders needing to step up. The match at Chepauk highlighted the fine margins that separate success from failure in the high-stakes environment of the IPL.

What lies ahead for Samson and CSK

Samson's double-century in two matches positions him as a key player for CSK's remaining fixtures. The team will rely on his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, as they seek to climb the standings. For MI, the defeat adds pressure to their campaign, with each subsequent match becoming increasingly crucial. The rivalry between these two franchises, one of the most storied in the IPL, continues to produce compelling cricket, and Saturday's encounter was no exception.

The bottom line

• Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls, his second century of IPL 2026, to lead CSK to victory over MI.
• Samson had scored only 11 runs in his previous match against GT, highlighting his rapid return to form.
• Both CSK and MI are in the bottom half of the points table past the halfway mark, making every match critical.
• Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar leads CSK's bowling with 10 wickets, while multiple batsmen have contributed half-centuries and centuries.
• The match was played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on May 2, 2026, with global viewing options via Star Sports, JioHotStar, Fubo, and Willow.tv.
• Samson's consistency has made him CSK's highest run-scorer this season, providing a foundation for their playoff push.