Chennai Super Kings snapped their winless streak in the TATA IPL 2026 with a 23-run victory against Delhi Capitals, while Punjab Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets earlier in the afternoon. Suresh Raina and Faf du Plessis analysed Sanju Samson’s role as an opener, Delhi’s over-reliance on Sameer Rizvi, along with Punjab Kings’ formidable batting ticking all the boxes.
Suresh Raina spoke about Sanju Samson’s century and what it means for CSK:
“The monkey is off Sanju Samson’s back now after this hundred. It is never easy walking into a new franchise and performing immediately, especially with the expectations Sanju has come in with. Joining the joint most successful side in the IPL comes with hard performance expectations. This century will help Samson silence his critics. His presence as an opener sets up CSK’s middle order so much better. When you have the ability to inject Shivam Dube or bring in Ayush Mhatre, he comes in and plays freely because they have got a decent start. He is batting with a guy who looks in total control of his game. It gives you the luxury. Dewald Brevis didn’t even walk out to bat in this contest against Delhi. That just goes to show what structuring your top order right does for the rest of your team. The flow-on effect is clear.”
On Delhi Capitals’ over-reliance on Sameer Rizvi:
“When a side like DC has been bailed out a couple of times by one player who is not your international standard superstar, it raises a bit of concern. It is not like Sameer Rizvi is an international standard superstar just yet. He has come in and started his career really well, so the expectation then comes on him to lead the side. You don’t need that for a player who is relatively inexperienced in IPL cricket. The alarm bells for me are that they lost wickets in quick succession in the middle phase of the run chase and they were set up beautifully by the CSK bowlers after five overs to really turn the screws on a side that has been down on form and confidence throughout the middle. But then they just relinquished all of it.”
On Jamie Overton’s performance:
“Jamie Overton is a serious cricketer for me. He should have been the player of the match. He outsmarted all the DC batters with his variations. The four wickets he picked up on a batting-friendly wicket was the point of difference. He is one of those players you want in the contest when it is on the line. He likes the big moments. Every time he gets an opportunity around the world, whether it is franchise cricket or for England, he gets the job done.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy:
“I think Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy has been very good. Even in the previous games, there were no tactical blunders or errors from his side that are keeping CSK back. For him individually, to get that confidence going, this win will go a long way. This will reflect in his batting as well. As a Captain, sometimes you get burdened by the results and what is happening around you. Ruturaj will feel at ease now that he has put two points on the board for CSK. That confidence will show in his batting when he bats next.”
On Punjab Kings’ batting unit:
“PBKS’ batters are doing really well and that is helping them in the IPL once again. Last season, all their batters played a crucial role in helping them reach the final. This season, their batting unit is delivering again. Captain Shreyas Iyer is the only top four batter who hadn’t got runs so far and he comes and not only gets a big score, but takes his team through against SRH. I think PBKS are ticking every box. They are a very formidable side. Yes, there are still a few questions. Arshdeep Singh is perhaps not bowling as well as he would want. Mark Jansen had an off day. But none of this is serious. For me, they are among the title favourites.”
