NEW DELHI: On a night where milestones beckoned, Sanju Samson chose substance over statistics, guiding Chennai Super Kings to a vital win with a match-winning unbeaten 87 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.Samson admitted after the game that the thought of a third century this season had crossed his mind, but winning the match unbeaten gave him “more satisfaction”. “Hundreds are always special. There was a desire, but I had to be a bit too selfish to get it… winning the game gives you more confidence, satisfaction and happiness,” he said with a smile during the post-match presentation.Calm, control and calculated aggressionChasing 156 on a sluggish surface, CSK were under early pressure at 45/2. Samson, however, remained unfazed. Known for his composure, the wicketkeeper-batter emphasised that his calm demeanour is nothing new. “To be very honest, I am always like this… even outside, I am calm,” he said.ALSO READ: KL Rahul overtakes Abhishek Sharma to reclaim Orange Cap; Sanju Samson jumps to fifthSamson revealed he has been working on his initial movement, tailoring it based on bowlers and match situations. That preparation showed as he anchored the chase, initially cautious at 22 off 22 balls before shifting gears seamlessly. He brought up his half-century in the 12th over and then dismantled the Delhi attack with controlled aggression.His unbeaten 114-run stand with Kartik Sharma ensured CSK crossed the line with ease, finishing the chase with 15 balls to spare.“Played for the team” — Gavaskar lauds maturitySamson’s decision to prioritise the win over a personal landmark drew widespread praise. In a post-match conversation, Samson reiterated his mindset: “A hundred is always special. But for that, I would have had to be a bit selfish… I thought it was better to win the match for the team.”That clarity impressed former India great Sunil Gavaskar, who highlighted the batter’s growth. “Patience brings great rewards. He got set and then accelerated. Had Kartik not finished it off with those shots, Samson might have had his century. But he played for the team,” Gavaskar noted.Virender Sehwag echoed similar sentiments, praising Samson’s improved game awareness.“He was playing percentage cricket, only attacking balls in his zone. Over the last few years, his understanding of the game has improved massively,” Sehwag said.CSK’s playoff hopes hinge on SamsonSamson’s numbers underline his impact this season — 402 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries and a fifty, placing him among the top performers. More importantly, his contributions have directly influenced CSK’s victories.With five wins now, Chennai remain firmly in the playoff hunt. And if they are to go deeper into the tournament, Samson’s blend of calmness, clarity and match-winning ability could prove decisive.
