CSK's Hussey: Sanju's experience key to Kartik's 41* in 114-run stand
Synopsis
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey singled out Sanju Samson's on-field guidance as the key reason 20-year-old Kartik Sharma stayed calm during a pressure chase, finishing unbeaten at 41 off 31 to seal a 114-run stand — and a comfortable win over Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025.
Key Takeaways
Kartik Sharma remained unbeaten at 41 off 31 balls as CSK chased down 156 runs in 17.3 overs against Delhi Capitals .
Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma forged a match-winning 114-run partnership at the Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Batting coach Michael Hussey praised Kartik's game sense and ability to assess conditions over raw power.
CSK are placed sixth on the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points from five matches.
CSK's next fixture is against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on 10 May .
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey has credited wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson's composure and match awareness for helping youngster Kartik Sharma navigate a pressure chase, as the duo forged a match-winning 114-run partnership against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The win lifted CSK to sixth place on the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points from five matches.
Kartik's Mature Knock Under Pressure
Kartik Sharma, who walked in at a critical juncture after CSK lost back-to-back wickets, held his nerve to remain unbeaten at 41 off 31 balls. His measured innings helped CSK chase down a target of 156 runs in just 17.3 overs, completing a comfortable victory with deliveries to spare. The 20-year-old's ability to resist the temptation to swing for boundaries when scoring at close to a run a ball drew particular praise from the coaching staff.
What Hussey Said
Speaking in a video released by the IPL on X, Hussey explained the value of pairing an experienced campaigner with a young finisher.
Point of View
Calm heads rather than relying purely on power hitters. In an era where T20 cricket increasingly rewards brute force, CSK's insistence on craft and situational awareness looks like a deliberate counter-trend. Whether Kartik Sharma can sustain this form across a full IPL campaign will be the real test of that philosophy.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Michael Hussey say about Kartik Sharma's innings against Delhi Capitals?
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey praised Kartik Sharma's maturity and game sense, noting that the 20-year-old did not panic when scoring at close to a run a ball and resisted the urge to go for big shots unnecessarily. Hussey also highlighted Sanju Samson's experience as crucial in keeping Kartik calm during the chase.
How did CSK chase down Delhi Capitals' target in IPL 2025?
CSK chased down a target of 156 runs in just 17.3 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. A match-winning 114-run partnership between Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma, who finished unbeaten at 41 off 31 balls, was central to the win.
Where does CSK stand in the IPL 2025 points table after this win?
CSK are currently placed sixth on the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points from five matches. Their next game is against Lucknow Super Giants on 10 May.
Why is Sanju Samson's role important for young batters like Kartik Sharma?
According to Hussey, Samson's experience and composure help young players like Kartik assess situations calmly rather than reacting impulsively under pressure. Having an experienced batter at the other end provides on-field guidance that coaching sessions alone cannot replicate.
What is Kartik Sharma's batting strength according to Hussey?
Hussey described Kartik Sharma as a batter with strong game sense, good batsmanship skills, and the ability to read conditions — qualities he argued still have a vital place in modern T20 cricket alongside raw power hitting.
