Irfan Pathan Praises Sanju Samson's Exceptional Form in IPL 2026

Sanju Samson Shines in IPL 2026 Match

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has lauded the impressive performance of batsman Sanju Samson, stating that he is currently at the peak of his abilities. In a crucial match of the Indian Premier League 2026 held at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, Samson played a pivotal role in Chennai Super Kings' victory over Delhi Capitals with an unbeaten score of 87 runs. While chasing a target of 156 runs, CSK lost their captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel early in the innings.

Despite the early setbacks, Samson showcased his skills by scoring 87 runs off 52 balls, which included seven fours and six sixes. His strike rate was an impressive 167.31. Additionally, 20-year-old Karthik Sharma contributed with an unbeaten 41 runs, and together they formed a match-winning partnership of 114 runs, leading CSK to a comfortable victory by eight wickets with 15 balls remaining.

Speaking on JioStar, Irfan Pathan praised Sanju Samson's remarkable form, highlighting his deep understanding of the game and his ability to play aggressively against bowlers while also exercising caution. For instance, he respected DC's Lungi Ngidi while targeting other bowlers. Pathan also pointed out Samson's growing maturity in finishing matches on challenging pitches, which he believes is a hallmark of a successful batsman.

Samson's Game Awareness Sets Him Apart

Pathan emphasized that Sanju Samson is currently at his best, with a unique understanding of the game. He is clear about which bowlers to target and which ones to respect. For example, he was cautious against a bowler like Lungi Ngidi, but he shifted gears and capitalized on opportunities against less threatening bowlers. His ability to read the match situation is exceptional. More importantly, he consistently takes on the responsibility of finishing matches, especially on difficult pitches, which is a defining trait of a successful batsman.