Jaffer, Finch Back Overton for POTM Over Samson's Ton in CSK's IPL Win

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes England's Jamie Overton, not centurion Sanju Samson, deserved the Player of the Match award for Chennai Super Kings' win over Delhi Capitals. Jaffer stated Overton's spell of 4-18 on a batting-friendly surface was the decisive factor in the 23-run victory. Former Australian captain Aaron Finch agreed, praising Overton's ability to bowl at high speeds and deliver in crucial moments. Overton dismantled the DC middle order, taking key wickets to secure CSK's first win of the IPL 2026 season.

Key Points: Wasim Jaffer Says Overton Deserved POTM Over Samson in CSK vs DC

  • Jaffer argues Overton's spell was the point of difference
  • Overton took 4-18 on a batting-friendly pitch
  • Samson scored an unbeaten 115 but CSK won by 23 runs
  • Aaron Finch praised Overton's high-speed, clutch bowling
2 min read

IPL 2026: Overton deserved Player of the Match award in CSK's win over DC, opines Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer and Aaron Finch argue Jamie Overton's 4-18 was more decisive than Sanju Samson's century in CSK's IPL 2026 win over Delhi Capitals.

"According to me, it should have been Overton. If he didn't get the spell, CSK wouldn't have won. - Wasim Jaffer"

New Delhi, April 12

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes England seam-bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton was more deserving of the Player of the Match award than centurion Sanju Samson in Chennai Super Kings beating Delhi Capitals by 23 runs, adding that his spell was the point of difference in the five-time winners getting their first win of IPL 2026.

Samson was given the award for hitting an unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, while Overton's figures of 4-18 on a batting-friendly surface ensured DC were bowled out for 189. "According to me, it should have been Overton. If he didn't get the spell, CSK wouldn't have won. Because he got very important wickets. In four overs, just 18 runs, where the target was 210. I thought the point of difference was that.

"Although, if Sanju didn't get the innings, (CSK) wouldn't have scored so many runs (212 for 2). So it was very difficult (to decide). But in such a big game, where batting is easy, I think Overton should have been given (the player of the match award)," said Jaffer on ESPNCricinfo.

Overton dismantled the DC middle order, claiming the important wickets of Sameer Rizvi, David Miller, Auqib Nabi, and Tristan Stubbs. Former Australian captain Aaron Finch agreed with Jaffer's views and lauded Overton's ability to maintain high speeds while executing his variations - pacy deliveries mixed with hit-the-deck balls.

"He was bowling fast, up in the mid- to high 140s. Thinking back to the Big Bash, where he played for Adelaide Strikers, he was consistently up in the high 140s as well. So, he's a serious cricketer. For me, he should be the Player of the Match. On a batting-friendly wicket, here was the point of difference.

"He just strangled them through the middle when he had that opportunity. Big wickets at big times. I think he's a seriously good cricketer. The skill set that he brings - bat, ball, field - another one of those players that you want in the game, in the contest, when it's on the line. He likes the big moments. Every time he gets an opportunity around the world, whether it's franchise (cricket) or for England, he gets the job done," added Finch.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
I have to respectfully disagree. Sanju's 115* off 56 set up the entire game. You can't chase 210 without that platform. Bowlers always benefit from a big total to defend. Both were brilliant, but the centurion edges it for me.
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Vikram M
This is the classic batsman vs bowler debate! In Indian conditions where 200 is par, the bowler who restricts the opposition deserves more credit. Overton was phenomenal. Finch is right - he strangled them in the middle. CSK's find of the season!
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Priya S
Why not have joint players of the match? Both were outstanding. Samson's innings was pure class, and Overton's bowling was lethal. Let's appreciate both instead of arguing over who was *more* deserving. 🤷‍♀️ #RespectForBoth
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Rohit P
As a CSK fan, I'm just happy we got the win! But seriously, Overton won us the game in the middle overs. Wickets of Miller and Stubbs were crucial. On a batting pitch, his spell was worth more than gold. Yellow Brigade! 💛
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Michael C
Jaffer and Finch are spot on. The "point of difference" analysis is key. Many batsmen could have scored on that track, but very few bowlers could have delivered those figures. Overton's impact was higher per the context of the match.

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