NewKerala.com

Sanju Samson's Straight-Bat Masterclass Earns Kumble's Praise in IPL 2026

Anil Kumble praised Sanju Samson's unbeaten century for Chennai Super Kings, calling it a masterclass in technical discipline focused on playing straight. Kumble highlighted Samson's excellent game awareness and ability to make his starts count, contrasting it with his near-misses in the T20 World Cup. Former batter Cheteshwar Pujara noted the win was a desperate and crucial confidence booster for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led CSK side. Both experts agreed the victory could shift the team's momentum and belief for the rest of the tournament.

Key Points: Samson's IPL 2026 Ton a Technical Masterclass, Says Kumble

  • Samson's first hundred of IPL 2026
  • Kumble praises straight-bat technique
  • Win a relief for CSK camp
  • Pujara highlights momentum shift
  • Samson's fourth IPL century
2 min read

IPL 2026: Samson's game awareness is excellent; when he gets going, he makes it count, says Kumble

Anil Kumble lauds Sanju Samson's unbeaten 115 for CSK, highlighting his straight-bat technique and game awareness. Cheteshwar Pujara discusses the win's impact.

"His game awareness is excellent, and when he gets going, he makes it count. - Anil Kumble"

New Delhi, April 12

Former India captain Anil Kumble has hailed Sanju Samson's unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals as a masterclass in technical discipline, specifically pointing to the batsman's commitment to playing straight and not with a horizontal bat as the foundation of his success.

Samson notched up the first hundred of the IPL 2026 season after a lean run in his first three games for Chennai Super Kings, and played a key role in the side winning by 23 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

"You can see from his wagon wheel that he plays all around the ground. It's not just that he has a strong off-side or a strong on-side. What was really impressive was that he was looking to play straight, not with a horizontal bat.

"When your initial thought process is to play with a straight bat, and then you make those adjustments when a bowler pitches it short, it becomes much easier for a batter to score runs. His game awareness is excellent, and when he gets going, he makes it count.

"We saw that in the T20 World Cup. He didn't convert those 90s into 100s, but it was different in this game. It was his first hundred for CSK and his fourth overall, a big relief for CSK fans, and also for Sanju Samson, as there was a lot of pressure on him after a tough first three games," said Kumble on JioHotstar.

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who was associated with CSK in the IPL 2021 season, weighed in on how such a win will be a confidence booster for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side.

"If you look at the CSK camp, the body language of each and every player, including the support staff, suggested that they needed this win desperately. They will be relieved, and now that they have their first win on the board, they will start believing they have a chance. Once you start winning in the IPL, it's always about momentum.

"You begin to believe that you can make it to the playoffs, because when you are losing, no matter how hard you try to maintain a good environment, there is always some negativity. But when you start winning, everyone begins to think positively," he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's great to see a technically sound player like Samson succeed in T20. The IPL needs these kinds of innings, not just slogs. His wagon wheel was a thing of beauty - balanced all around the ground. Hope he carries this form.
P
Priya S
Pujara's point about the team's body language is so true. You could see the relief on Ruturaj's face. One win changes everything in the IPL. The momentum is key now. Hope CSK builds on this. The Chennai crowd must have been electric! 🎉
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the hundred was brilliant, we need to see this consistency from Sanju. Kumble mentioned the World Cup 90s. That's always been the question mark. Can he do this again next match? That's what will make him a true great. Fingers crossed for him.
R
Rohit P
Chepauk is a fortress! Nothing like a Samson special at home to get the season started. The way he targeted the straight boundaries was masterful. This is exactly the kind of innings CSK's middle order needed. Thala would be proud! 😄
M
Michael C
Interesting analysis from Kumble. The technical focus on playing straight in the powerplay is a lesson for young batters watching. In a format dominated by innovation, sometimes the old-fashioned way is the most effective. Great knock.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50