Sanju Samson batting at peak form, says Irfan Pathan after CSK's eight-wicket win
Synopsis
Sanju Samson has flipped a sluggish start into a commanding run, and Irfan Pathan credits tactical sharpness — not just stroke-making — for the turnaround. His 87 against Delhi Capitals, paired with a game-changing 114-run stand with youngster Kartik Sharma, signals that CSK's batting axis has found its rhythm at exactly the right moment in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 87 in CSK's eight-wicket win over Delhi Capitals on 6 May at the Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Samson forged a match-winning 114-run partnership with Kartik Sharma to chase down 156 in 17.3 overs .
Former cricketer Irfan Pathan praised Samson's game awareness and tactical aggression, particularly against pace bowler Lungi Ngidi .
Samson has recovered from a poor start in the first three games to become CSK's leading run-scorer.
Pathan also highlighted Kartik Sharma's ability to read spin variations and dominate the off-side against quality bowlers.
Sanju Samson is operating at peak efficiency in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, according to former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, who credited the wicketkeeper-batter's tactical acumen for Chennai Super Kings' commanding eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 6 May. Samson anchored the chase with an unbeaten 87, forging a match-winning 114-run partnership with youngster Kartik Sharma to guide CSK home in 17.3 overs while chasing 156.
Samson's turnaround and form
After a sluggish start in the first three games of the tournament, Samson has emerged as his franchise's leading run-scorer. Pathan highlighted that the opener's consistency and responsibility-taking mindset set him apart in the current phase. "Sanju Samson is taking responsibility to finish games, especially on tricky surfaces, and doing it consistently. That's what defines a batter in top form," Pathan told Jio Hotstar.
Game awareness and match-ups
What distinguishes Samson in this run is his sharp reading of bowling threats and tactical aggression. Against Delhi Capitals, he remained cautious against pace bowler Lungi Ngidi but shifted gears decisively when less-threatening options entered the attack. "He's very clear about which bowlers to target and which ones to respect. That understanding of match-ups is outstanding," Pathan observed.
Kartik Sharma's emergence
Pathan also commended Kartik Sharma's range of strokeplay and his ability to read spin variations early. The youngster's dominance on the off-side, particularly against quality spinners, impressed the former all-rounder. "He reads variations well, even picking the googly early, which makes it difficult for bowlers to contain him in the middle overs," Pathan said. The partnership between Samson and Sharma underscores a broader shift in CSK's batting approach this season toward aggressive intent paired with tactical discipline.
What lies ahead
CSK's eight-wicket margin signals a dominant phase in their campaign. With Samson now leading the run-tally and Sharma providing explosive support, the franchise's middle-order depth appears fortified. The consistency Samson is displaying on variable pitches will be critical as the tournament progresses into its latter stages.
Point of View
The margin of victory often balloons. Sharma's emergence as a complementary aggressor adds a dimension CSK lacked in earlier seasons.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Sanju Samson perform in CSK's win over Delhi Capitals?
Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 87 runs, anchoring CSK's chase of 156. He forged a match-winning 114-run partnership with Kartik Sharma to guide CSK to an eight-wicket victory in 17.3 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on 6 May.
What did Irfan Pathan say about Samson's form?
Irfan Pathan praised Samson's peak form, highlighting his outstanding game awareness and tactical acumen. Pathan noted that Samson is clear about which bowlers to target and which to respect, and that his consistency in finishing games on tricky surfaces defines his current top form.
How has Sanju Samson performed in IPL 2026 so far?
After a slow start in the first three games, Samson has turned things around and is now the leading run-scorer for CSK. His unbeaten 87 against Delhi Capitals exemplifies his recovery and current form.
What impressed Irfan Pathan about Kartik Sharma's batting?
Pathan highlighted Kartik Sharma's ability to read spin variations early, including picking googlies, and his dominance on the off-side against quality spinners. He praised Sharma's range of shots and confidence, which allow him to take on both spin and pace bowlers effectively.
What was the chase target and how quickly did CSK complete it?
CSK chased down a target of 156 runs in just 17.3 overs, winning by eight wickets. The rapid chase underscores the aggressive yet tactically sound approach Samson and Sharma employed during their partnership.
