Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad praised Sanju Samson and his team’s bowlers after they secured a comprehensive eight-wicket win against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday. Chasing a below-par score of 156, Samson scored a match-winning knock of 87 runs off just 52 balls.

The CSK opener scored eight fours and seven sixes in his fine knock and was awarded Player of the Match. Samson added a fine alliance of 114 runs off just 66 balls with rookie batter Kartik Sharma, who continued his rich form to score 41 runs. 

Samson has scored 402 runs in 10 matches of IPL 2026 at an average of 57.43 and a strike rate of 167.50. Gaikwad said Samson is the team’s backbone.

“On the batting side, I would say, 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,” Gaikwad said during the post-match presentation on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, CSK bowlers were able to restrict DC to 155-7. Noor Ahmad bagged 2-22 in his three overs whereas Akeal Hosein returned with impressive figures of 1-19 in his four overs. Mukesh Choudhary (1-31) and Gurjapneet Singh (1-29) also bowled economical spells.

“…bowling is something which wins you tournaments. And to have Akeal (Hosein) and Jamie (Overton) do that job when everyone is going for, more than 10-12 (runs per over). They’re just coming in silently and doing the job. It gives you a lot of confidence,” Gaikwad said.

“And then Anshul Kamboj is there as well who obviously is a smart bowler and knows what his strength is. 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 added.

Chennai Super Kings will next take on Lucknow Super Giants at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Sunday