Fans erupt as CSK register first win of IPL 2026 courtesy of Sanju Samson’s heroics against DC

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) finally found their rhythm in IPL 2026 as they secured a convincing 23-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 18 at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium.

After being put in to bat by DC, CSK produced a dominant batting display, riding on a sensational century from Sanju Samson. The wicketkeeper-batter delivered a captain’s knock, smashing 115 runs off just 56 balls, laced with 15 fours and 4 sixes, to propel his side to a formidable total of 212/2 in 20 overs.

Samson set the tone early with aggressive strokeplay, ensuring CSK got off to a flying start. While skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad struggled to find fluency and managed just 15 off 18 balls, Samson took charge and dominated the powerplay.

The momentum continued as Ayush Mhatre provided solid support at the other end. Mhatre played a crucial hand, scoring 59 off 36 balls with a mix of controlled aggression and clean hitting. The duo stitched together a match-defining partnership that laid the foundation for a big total.

In the death overs, Shivam Dube added the finishing touches with a quickfire 20 off 10 balls, helping CSK cross the 200-run mark comfortably.

For DC, Axar Patel was the lone wicket-taker, while the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs on a batting-friendly surface.

Chasing a daunting target of 213, Delhi Capitals began positively with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge. He scored a brisk 41 off 24 balls, providing early momentum alongside KL Rahul, who contributed 18 off 10. However, regular wickets in the middle overs derailed DC’s chase. Sameer Rizvi and Axar failed to make an impact, putting pressure on the middle order.

Tristan Stubbs tried to revive the innings with a well-crafted 60 off 38 balls, showing intent and composure. He found brief support from David Miller (17) and Ashutosh Sharma (19), but the required rate kept climbing. Despite a few late hits, DC were eventually bowled out for 189 in their 20 overs, falling 23 runs short of the target.

CSK’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance to defend the total. The standout performer was Jamie Overton, who produced a match-winning spell of 4/18 in his four overs, dismantling DC’s lower order. Anshul Kamboj also impressed with three crucial wickets, while Noor Ahmad and Gurjapneet Singh chipped in with a wicket each. Khaleel Ahmed provided early breakthroughs, ensuring DC never gained complete control of the chase.

This victory marked a crucial turning point for CSK, who had struggled in the early stages of the tournament. With both their batting and bowling units clicking in unison, the team will take immense confidence from this all-round performance.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans slam Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK skipper’s lean patch continues in the clash against DC

Off the mark! 💛#WhistlePodu #CSKvDC

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 11, 2026

Sanju Samson gave a special salute to CSK fans after scoring his hundred 🫡 the moment of his century.💛🔥

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) April 11, 2026

Chetta Sanju Samson 🔥

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) April 11, 2026

Bro did uno reverse with CSK. In RR he used to score in first 3 games and bottle rest games.

Hopefully in CSK, he bottled first three games and will score in rest.

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 11, 2026

Form is temporary but Class is permanent.

This is Sanju Samson for you.😎🔥

— CricSachin (@Sachin_Gandhi7) April 11, 2026

Sanju Century Samson is back 💛🔥 #CSKvDC #WhistlePodu #CSK

— CSK Core (@CSKCore) April 11, 2026

Sanju Samson 115 (56) 🥵🥵🥵

Season's First Century by Sanju Samson 🔥 🛐 #CSKVSDC

— ☄️ (@Bhairava_1) April 11, 2026

WHAT A KNOCK BY SANJU SAMSON 💛🔥

Sanju Samson brings up his maiden hundred for CSK 💛

📷-BCCI#sanjusamson #cskvsdc #bharatarmy #coti🇮🇳 #ipl2026

— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) April 11, 2026

THE CELEBRATIONS OF SANJU SAMSON AFTER COMPLETED HIS HUNDRED. 💛

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 11, 2026

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS IS CURRENTLY NOT LAST IN THE POINTS TABLE 🤞⭐

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 11, 2026

@IamSanjuSamson 💛👑

— Murali Tarak🦁 (@MuraliiTarak) April 11, 2026

हम जीत गए 💛@ChennaiIPL Well played @IamSanjuSamson and all…❤️#CSK #IPL

— Sandeep Pandey (@SandeepIIMC) April 11, 2026

@JamieOverton Chennai s going to shower u with more love #yellove for the spirit u ve showing !! Grt game guys #Csk special mention @IamSanjuSamson #chetta .. Come on boys !! Satisfying to c us win .. hope this brings the positivity required

— bala krishnan (@rbala87) April 11, 2026

Finally @IamSanjuSamson shows his metal in yellow jersey. Brilliant knock to register the first win for @ChennaiIPL! Good to see that his confidence is back. #CSKvsDC #iplseason2026

— Sanjay Manoharan (@SanjayManoharan) April 11, 2026

Finally a Win 💛Love you so much Thalaiva @JamieOverton and @IamSanjuSamson

— Vibhavan (@Vibhavan07) April 11, 2026

Chettah @IamSanjuSamson 🥳🥳😍😍

— CSK Cheems🏏🏏 (@rajtwts) April 11, 2026

Well come back @ChennaiIPL 💥💥Saviours of Match @IamSanjuSamson and @JamieOverton 🫡💛

— ప్రణతి 🎀 (@Pranatigerfan7) April 11, 2026

Well Played @IamSanjuSamson 💛#CSKvsDC

— Jalam Singh (@JalamSingh__444) April 11, 2026

Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson lights up Chepauk with stunning century for CSK