Samson played a pivotal role in CSK's dominant victory over DC.
Sanju Samson (87* off 52) and Kartik Sharma (41* off 31) starred with the bat during the chase, after Noor Ahmad (2/22) and Akeal Hosein (1/19) delivered stunning bowling spells to help CSK restrict DC to 155/7.
Speaking after the game, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad attributed their mid-season turnaround to positive team morale.
“(everything coming along nicely) No, I think even initially after the second and third game, the talk was about, even Flem (Fleming) and myself, we were always positive. We thought that we were closer than what we thought than or what we were last year. I think we pretty much covered all the bases, what we had, Sanju coming in and then we had great middle-order as well. Our bowling was going good as well. So we just needed that couple of wins and then to get that momentum, you need that in T20 cricket. So I think after that, after the third game, we got those couple of wins and then, everyone just started to gel together,” Gaikwad said in the post-match presentation.
Gaikwad described Samson as the team's "backbone" following his stellar performances in the T20 World Cup 2026 and continued success for CSK.
He also acknowledged the bowling strength, praising Akeal and Jamie Overton for "silently" performing and keeping opponents in check when other bowlers are conceding over 10-12 runs per over. The captain hailed Anshul Kamboj as a "smart" fast bowler who understands his strengths.
“On the batting side, I would say, I mean, more than grateful to have Sanju in the side after the tournament he had even in the World Cup and even now. So obviously he's backbone now, but bowling is something which, which wins you tournaments.
“And, you obviously, to have Akeal and Jamie do that job where, you know, everyone is going for, more than 10s or 12s. They're just coming in silently and doing the job. It gives you a lot of confidence. And then, you know, Anshul Kamboj is there as well, who's, obviously a smart bowler and knows what his strength. Yes, he had an off day today, but I feel it's someone who's already upset about it and eager to come back,” he remarked.
Gaikwad downplayed the need for elaborate pre-match planning with Samson, stating that their partnership thrives on instinctual, situational awareness rather than constant communication.
“(him and Sanju both similar, do you plan?) Nothing actually, it is, we don't really plan, we just kind of, let to know each other that what the wicket is exactly happening and, how we can assess and how we can move forward. That's the only talk. After that it is more about, how the over is going and how the match is progressing. So the talk is very less, more often than not, you rely on yourself to do the job. So definitely he's doing the job for me, so I'm really happy,” he remarked.
Gaikwad praised Kartik’s adaptability and mental clarity, highlighting that the 19-year-old is not just a boundary-hitter but someone with the game sense to rotate strike.
“(on Kartik Sharma) Well, I think the skill set was already there. I feel there's no development as such. But the skill set which he's showing in the last couple of games, it was already there. Just that he needed that, couple of games to start with. He didn't get that momentum and we were chasing high targets as well. So I think he didn't get the time. Last game he got some time, played a, 10-15 balls and after that he got into it. So we all knew what skill set he had. As I said, last game as well, he's not someone who's a wild slogger. He can rotate strike well. He can, hit the pockets really well. So he's someone who can play all around the game. So good to get that confidence going for him,” Gaikwad concluded.