So the Chennai Super Kings finally get the monkey off their backs with a thumping win against the Delhi Capitals. A special performance from Sanju Samson who is having an unforgettable year on the field. Jamie Overton stepping up when it mattered the most and Ruturaj Gaikwad with some inspired bowling changes - it all comes together at Chepauk as the Men in Yellow register their first points on the board.
Another double header coming up tomorrow! LSG take on GT first and then a mouthwatering clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
That's it from our coverage in the double header Saturday! Ninaad Dixit here signing off on behalf of my co-commentators Darpan Tikiya & Ajay Pal Singh, scorers Manish Bishnoi & Paras Yadav and statistician Aman. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world
Most Matches for 1st win for CSK in a season: 5 - 2022 4 - 2026*
Teams with Most Instances of Bowling Out Opponents in IPL:
40 – MI
28 – RCB
26 – CSK*
25 – KKR
22 – SRH
Sanju Samson: "(On what does it mean to get a century for CSK) It really means a lot. The trust that they showed in me with that trade, it was a feeling of responsibility. I wanted to put the team on track. It is not easy to start with a new franchise, but it has not felt like it. Everyone has been so sweet, so welcoming, so calm and relaxed. Even when we lost 3 games, we had a meeting of only 50 seconds today. So, that resonates with the kind of person I am.
(On bouncing back by going back to basics) I have failed a lot. So, failing a lot tells you how you need to comeback. When you fail, you think hard about whether you need to change anything. The mind goes haywire. But I am 31 years old, I have failed a lot. I know that it is about going back to the basics. I know what my basics are. It is about in the right zone mentally and going back to timing the ball and seeing it nicely out of the bowler's hand. We did some sessions for it a few days ago and I am glad it came off.
(On his partnership with Ayush Mhatre)We need partnerships in this format. Ayush (Mhatre) has shown great maturity. It has not felt as if he is just coming out of U-19s. He has shown great character. Even his sixes were well calculated. Really happy for him.
(On the celebration after completing the century) That was for (Stephen) Fleming. I know how hard it can get leading a franchise. I know how challenging it is. So, I wanted to dedicate this to our coach Fleming."
Player of the Match: Sanju Samson
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings Captain): "[on the win] Feels good to finally get the win. It was a great performance to start with. We have been really batting well batting first. This wicket is on the slower side and it was a good total. Sanju took on the opposition and even Ayush played well. Tonight was about the bowlers.
[On the bowlers] We don't have the X-Factor in the bowling but we try to discuss how we can put in something extra. Try and use your lengths really well is something we can do. Even in the last game one or two odd big overs went against us. Yes we were set on the backfoot in the powerplay tonight but we came back very well.
[on the fans] Chennai fans are always there behind us no matter what. I have been receiving so many good messages. Wherever we go, they are always backing us. Lovely people enjoying cricket and loving the franchise."
Most Dot Balls in the Match: Jamie Overton (13 Dots)