Axar Patel on Sanju Samson’s Crucial 87 in CSK’s Win Over DC | IPL 2026
Sanju Samson’s Masterclass Leaves DC Reeling in IPL 2026 Clash
Delhi Capitals’ playoff aspirations took another hit as Sanju Samson delivered a clinical, unbeaten 87 off just 52 balls to guide Chennai Super Kings to a commanding victory at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The result marked DC’s sixth defeat in the ongoing IPL 2026 season — their fifth loss in the last six matches — leaving the team in a precarious position.
Axar Patel Reflects on Tough Night
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Delhi Capitals struggled to build momentum on a challenging pitch. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and the team could only manage 155 runs in their 20 overs. Skipper Axar Patel acknowledged post-match that the decision to bat may not have been ideal, given the surface’s early difficulty.
“I felt 155 was a good score considering how the wicket was playing,” Patel said. “But with eight batters in our lineup, I think we were 10-15 runs short.”
Pitch Behavior Favored Settled Batters
Patel highlighted the nature of the pitch, which offered variable bounce and held up at times, making life tough for incoming batters.
“For a new batter coming in, it was not easy. Length balls were holding up, sometimes staying low, and occasionally bouncing more than expected,” he explained. “The difference was made by the set batter. When a batter is well set, it feels like there’s nothing in the pitch. Sanju was that man tonight.”
Samson’s Dominance Against DC in IPL 2026
Sanju Samson’s 87* wasn’t just a match-winning knock — it was a statement. This innings pushed his total runs against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026 to 202 across two innings (115* and 87*), placing him among the elite for most runs against a single opponent in a league stage.
- 209 – Virat Kohli vs GL in 2016
- 206 – KL Rahul vs MI in 2022
- 202 – Sanju Samson vs DC in 2026
- 196 – Chris Gayle vs PWI in 2013
- 193 – KL Rahul vs RCB in 2020
The consistency has been staggering. In IPL 2026, Samson has scored 362 runs in 5 wins at an average of 181 and a strike rate of 178.32. Contrast that with his returns in defeats: just 40 runs in 5 innings at an average of 8.
CSK Chase Down Target with Control
Despite early hiccups — CSK lost two quick wickets — Samson ensured the chase remained on track. He anchored the innings with composure, shifting gears when needed and capitalizing on loose deliveries. His ability to read the pitch and adapt made the difference between two sides facing the same conditions.
For Delhi Capitals, the recurring theme of underutilizing toss advantages and failing to post competitive totals continues to haunt them. With only one win in their last five outings, their qualification scenario hangs by a thread.
What’s Next for Delhi Capitals?
Each loss brings increased scrutiny on the team’s strategy, especially batting order and pitch assessment. Axar Patel’s leadership is being tested in tough conditions, and the absence of consistent contributions from the middle order remains a concern.
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, continue to rely on proven performers like Samson to deliver when it matters most. As the league stage progresses, form and temperament could define the playoff race — and Sanju Samson appears to have both in abundance.
One thing is clear: when a batter is well set, even the most challenging pitch can look benign. And on this night, Sanju Samson was anything but unsettled.
