![IPL 2026: Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in yellow jersey Viyarppu thunniyitta kuppayam. Athil nirangal mangukilla kattayam. [Dress spun from sweat; more vivid than any story ever told].The opening lyrics of the song ‘Kuthanthram’ from the 2024 Malayalam classic ‘Manjummel Boys’ left a lasting imprint on people’s minds due to its quirky metaphorical connotation.Indian batter Sanju Samson had referenced the phrase in a social media post after finding a spot back in the playing eleven after being dropped following a disappointing tour of Australia.A lot has transpired in Samson’s life since that game in December 2025. He was dropped from the team again. He was reintegrated again. And then he played three career-defining knocks, one after the other, to guide his nation to a third T20 World Cup triumph.On Saturday, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, another vivid story was written when a drenched-in-sweat Samson yielded his willow after Chennai Super Kings’ first innings against Delhi Capitals. An unbeaten 115 in front of 30,000 yellow-clad fans at his new amphitheatre was the first real indication of a metamorphosis foreseen by many since the 31-year-old traded his longstanding pink for yellow ahead of the new IPL season.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yGy2jRz8Jc[/embed]Like most things in his more-than-a-decade-long career so far, this too did not come easy for him. Three consecutive no-shows with the bat, all while being the torchbearer for the side’s new injection of exuberance, almost extinguished the halo of nobility that appeared after his World Cup exploits.The first ball he faced from debutant Auqib Nabi set the tone for the day. You would imagine that a batter who was dismissed thrice in succession by the ball moving away — twice through an outside edge looking to push away from off-stump — would look to ensure there was no movement on offer before playing a similar shot. Not Samson. He prodded his front foot across, in a sign of immense self-confidence, to caress the ball through the covers and pick up three.While his opening partner, Ruturaj Gaikwad, struggled to combine both timing and the art of finding the gap together, Samson delivered a clinic in batting against pace in the PowerPlay, combining composure and direction to give his side a rapid start. Two gorgeous fours over extra-cover against Axar Patel followed, after which the Kerala batter slipped his vehicle into autopilot, the likes of which we saw at the victorious multi-nation tournament.A bothersome back, a dropped catch in the deep, and an unnerving prolonged stint in the 90s later, a fortuitous outside edge of the blade took him to three figures, one that the crowd welcomed with ear-splitting whistles and a standing ovation. The CSK fanbase has long venerated a wicketkeeper-batter to such a degree that he is now considered to be the son of the soil. The unyielding fandom has grown to such an extent that it forces him to return to play in front of the adoring crowd despite his growing years. It can’t go on forever, though. But now, there is a successor in place, and Saturday at the Chepauk was his first step towards staking a claim to be that leading man. Published on Apr 12, 2026 #IPL #Sanju #Samson #stakes #claim #CSKs #leading #man #maiden #yellow #jersey](https://i2.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/rfo0xt/article70853376.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/image%2013.jpg?ssl=1 "IPL 2026: Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in yellow jersey Viyarppu thunniyitta kuppayam. Athil nirangal mangukilla kattayam. [Dress spun from sweat; more vivid than any story ever told].The opening lyrics of the song ‘Kuthanthram’ from the 2024 Malayalam classic ‘Manjummel Boys’ left a lasting imprint on people’s minds due to its quirky metaphorical connotation.Indian batter Sanju Samson had referenced the phrase in a social media post after finding a spot back in the playing eleven after being dropped following a disappointing tour of Australia.A lot has transpired in Samson’s life since that game in December 2025. He was dropped from the team again. He was reintegrated again. And then he played three career-defining knocks, one after the other, to guide his nation to a third T20 World Cup triumph.On Saturday, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, another vivid story was written when a drenched-in-sweat Samson yielded his willow after Chennai Super Kings’ first innings against Delhi Capitals. An unbeaten 115 in front of 30,000 yellow-clad fans at his new amphitheatre was the first real indication of a metamorphosis foreseen by many since the 31-year-old traded his longstanding pink for yellow ahead of the new IPL season.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yGy2jRz8Jc[/embed]Like most things in his more-than-a-decade-long career so far, this too did not come easy for him. Three consecutive no-shows with the bat, all while being the torchbearer for the side’s new injection of exuberance, almost extinguished the halo of nobility that appeared after his World Cup exploits.The first ball he faced from debutant Auqib Nabi set the tone for the day. You would imagine that a batter who was dismissed thrice in succession by the ball moving away — twice through an outside edge looking to push away from off-stump — would look to ensure there was no movement on offer before playing a similar shot. Not Samson. He prodded his front foot across, in a sign of immense self-confidence, to caress the ball through the covers and pick up three.While his opening partner, Ruturaj Gaikwad, struggled to combine both timing and the art of finding the gap together, Samson delivered a clinic in batting against pace in the PowerPlay, combining composure and direction to give his side a rapid start. Two gorgeous fours over extra-cover against Axar Patel followed, after which the Kerala batter slipped his vehicle into autopilot, the likes of which we saw at the victorious multi-nation tournament.A bothersome back, a dropped catch in the deep, and an unnerving prolonged stint in the 90s later, a fortuitous outside edge of the blade took him to three figures, one that the crowd welcomed with ear-splitting whistles and a standing ovation. The CSK fanbase has long venerated a wicketkeeper-batter to such a degree that he is now considered to be the son of the soil. The unyielding fandom has grown to such an extent that it forces him to return to play in front of the adoring crowd despite his growing years. It can’t go on forever, though. But now, there is a successor in place, and Saturday at the Chepauk was his first step towards staking a claim to be that leading man. Published on Apr 12, 2026 #IPL #Sanju #Samson #stakes #claim #CSKs #leading #man #maiden #yellow #jersey")
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#IPL #Sanju #Samson #stakes #claim #CSKs #leading #man #maiden #yellow #jersey">IPL 2026: Sanju Samson stakes claim to be CSK’s ‘leading man’ with maiden hundred in yellow jersey Viyarppu thunniyitta kuppayam. Athil nirangal mangukilla kattayam. [Dress spun from sweat; more vivid than any story ever told].
The opening lyrics of the song ‘Kuthanthram’ from the 2024 Malayalam classic ‘Manjummel Boys’ left a lasting imprint on people’s minds due to its quirky metaphorical connotation.
Indian batter Sanju Samson had referenced the phrase in a social media post after finding a spot back in the playing eleven after being dropped following a disappointing tour of Australia.
A lot has transpired in Samson’s life since that game in December 2025. He was dropped from the team again. He was reintegrated again. And then he played three career-defining knocks, one after the other, to guide his nation to a third T20 World Cup triumph.
On Saturday, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, another vivid story was written when a drenched-in-sweat Samson yielded his willow after Chennai Super Kings’ first innings against Delhi Capitals. An unbeaten 115 in front of 30,000 yellow-clad fans at his new amphitheatre was the first real indication of a metamorphosis foreseen by many since the 31-year-old traded his longstanding pink for yellow ahead of the new IPL season.
Like most things in his more-than-a-decade-long career so far, this too did not come easy for him. Three consecutive no-shows with the bat, all while being the torchbearer for the side’s new injection of exuberance, almost extinguished the halo of nobility that appeared after his World Cup exploits.
The first ball he faced from debutant Auqib Nabi set the tone for the day. You would imagine that a batter who was dismissed thrice in succession by the ball moving away — twice through an outside edge looking to push away from off-stump — would look to ensure there was no movement on offer before playing a similar shot. Not Samson. He prodded his front foot across, in a sign of immense self-confidence, to caress the ball through the covers and pick up three.
While his opening partner, Ruturaj Gaikwad, struggled to combine both timing and the art of finding the gap together, Samson delivered a clinic in batting against pace in the PowerPlay, combining composure and direction to give his side a rapid start. Two gorgeous fours over extra-cover against Axar Patel followed, after which the Kerala batter slipped his vehicle into autopilot, the likes of which we saw at the victorious multi-nation tournament.
A bothersome back, a dropped catch in the deep, and an unnerving prolonged stint in the 90s later, a fortuitous outside edge of the blade took him to three figures, one that the crowd welcomed with ear-splitting whistles and a standing ovation.
The CSK fanbase has long venerated a wicketkeeper-batter to such a degree that he is now considered to be the son of the soil. The unyielding fandom has grown to such an extent that it forces him to return to play in front of the adoring crowd despite his growing years. It can’t go on forever, though. But now, there is a successor in place, and Saturday at the Chepauk was his first step towards staking a claim to be that leading man.
Published on Apr 12, 2026
Viyarppu thunniyitta kuppayam. Athil nirangal mangukilla kattayam. [Dress spun from sweat; more vivid than any story…
![IPL 2026: Overton is living in an environment where he feels he is backed, says CSK bowling coach Simmons Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simmons attributed the team’s improved bowling performance in the victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) to ‘better execution of plans’.After being plundered for 250 runs by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last game, the CSK bowling group regrouped to defend 212 against DC and earn the side’s first points this season. Simmons suggested that the performance in Bengaluru wasn’t very far off what the team displayed in front of the home fans six days later. “Last game we lost, people looked at it as a huge loss. When we analysed the game, we found it was bigger than it really was. Tonight, things went our way. The guys stuck to the plan, understood the dimensions of the field, and knew where to bowl and not,” he said at the post-match press conference.The star of the night with the ball was English pacer Jamie Overton, who finished with figures of four for 18, a week after being carted for 42 in just three by RCB. The coach said Overton reaped the rewards of sticking to his strengths and understanding what the team requires from him.“He tried something which didn’t work against RCB, but he went back to his strength tonight. He rattled everybody with his pace. When you’re bowling 150 kmph, having an off-pace delivery that is under 120 is really effective,” the South African said.“Sometimes, you bowl the same ball, and the ball goes up in the air, the next time it goes over the fence for six. [Going for runs] doesn’t make you a bad bowler. He’s just living in an environment where he’s feeling he’s backed, and I think that’s important for a bowler in the modern game,” he added. Simmons also spelt out the rationale behind CSK signing the currently-injured Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis.“Strategically, to have someone like him with his pace and left-arm bowling is really important. We’re not sure how much of a role he’ll play this year, but that’s fine. A lot of scouting is finding out from people who know the individuals. That was certainly done to get an understanding. He’s got a lot of attributes that we were excited about,” Simmons explained.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #IPL #Overton #living #environment #feels #backed #CSK #bowling #coach #Simmons](https://i3.wp.com/ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/no6pjm/article70853249.ece/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/image.jpg?ssl=1 "IPL 2026: Overton is living in an environment where he feels he is backed, says CSK bowling coach Simmons Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simmons attributed the team’s improved bowling performance in the victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) to ‘better execution of plans’.After being plundered for 250 runs by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last game, the CSK bowling group regrouped to defend 212 against DC and earn the side’s first points this season. Simmons suggested that the performance in Bengaluru wasn’t very far off what the team displayed in front of the home fans six days later. “Last game we lost, people looked at it as a huge loss. When we analysed the game, we found it was bigger than it really was. Tonight, things went our way. The guys stuck to the plan, understood the dimensions of the field, and knew where to bowl and not,” he said at the post-match press conference.The star of the night with the ball was English pacer Jamie Overton, who finished with figures of four for 18, a week after being carted for 42 in just three by RCB. The coach said Overton reaped the rewards of sticking to his strengths and understanding what the team requires from him.“He tried something which didn’t work against RCB, but he went back to his strength tonight. He rattled everybody with his pace. When you’re bowling 150 kmph, having an off-pace delivery that is under 120 is really effective,” the South African said.“Sometimes, you bowl the same ball, and the ball goes up in the air, the next time it goes over the fence for six. [Going for runs] doesn’t make you a bad bowler. He’s just living in an environment where he’s feeling he’s backed, and I think that’s important for a bowler in the modern game,” he added. Simmons also spelt out the rationale behind CSK signing the currently-injured Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis.“Strategically, to have someone like him with his pace and left-arm bowling is really important. We’re not sure how much of a role he’ll play this year, but that’s fine. A lot of scouting is finding out from people who know the individuals. That was certainly done to get an understanding. He’s got a lot of attributes that we were excited about,” Simmons explained.Published on Apr 12, 2026 #IPL #Overton #living #environment #feels #backed #CSK #bowling #coach #Simmons")
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#IPL #Overton #living #environment #feels #backed #CSK #bowling #coach #Simmons">IPL 2026: Overton is living in an environment where he feels he is backed, says CSK bowling coach Simmons
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simmons attributed the team’s improved bowling performance in the victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) to ‘better execution of plans’.
After being plundered for 250 runs by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last game, the CSK bowling group regrouped to defend 212 against DC and earn the side’s first points this season. Simmons suggested that the performance in Bengaluru wasn’t very far off what the team displayed in front of the home fans six days later.
“Last game we lost, people looked at it as a huge loss. When we analysed the game, we found it was bigger than it really was. Tonight, things went our way. The guys stuck to the plan, understood the dimensions of the field, and knew where to bowl and not,” he said at the post-match press conference.
The star of the night with the ball was English pacer Jamie Overton, who finished with figures of four for 18, a week after being carted for 42 in just three by RCB. The coach said Overton reaped the rewards of sticking to his strengths and understanding what the team requires from him.
“He tried something which didn’t work against RCB, but he went back to his strength tonight. He rattled everybody with his pace. When you’re bowling 150 kmph, having an off-pace delivery that is under 120 is really effective,” the South African said.
“Sometimes, you bowl the same ball, and the ball goes up in the air, the next time it goes over the fence for six. [Going for runs] doesn’t make you a bad bowler. He’s just living in an environment where he’s feeling he’s backed, and I think that’s important for a bowler in the modern game,” he added.
Simmons also spelt out the rationale behind CSK signing the currently-injured Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis.
“Strategically, to have someone like him with his pace and left-arm bowling is really important. We’re not sure how much of a role he’ll play this year, but that’s fine. A lot of scouting is finding out from people who know the individuals. That was certainly done to get an understanding. He’s got a lot of attributes that we were excited about,” Simmons explained.
Published on Apr 12, 2026
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simmons attributed the team’s improved bowling performance in the victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) to ‘better execution of plans’.
After being plundered for 250 runs by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last game, the CSK bowling group regrouped to defend 212 against DC and earn the side’s first points this season. Simmons suggested that the performance in Bengaluru wasn’t very far off what the team displayed in front of the home fans six days later.
“Last game we lost, people looked at it as a huge loss. When we analysed the game, we found it was bigger than it really was. Tonight, things went our way. The guys stuck to the plan, understood the dimensions of the field, and knew where to bowl and not,” he said at the post-match press conference.
The star of the night with the ball was English pacer Jamie Overton, who finished with figures of four for 18, a week after being carted for 42 in just three by RCB. The coach said Overton reaped the rewards of sticking to his strengths and understanding what the team requires from him.
“He tried something which didn’t work against RCB, but he went back to his strength tonight. He rattled everybody with his pace. When you’re bowling 150 kmph, having an off-pace delivery that is under 120 is really effective,” the South African said.
“Sometimes, you bowl the same ball, and the ball goes up in the air, the next time it goes over the fence for six. [Going for runs] doesn’t make you a bad bowler. He’s just living in an environment where he’s feeling he’s backed, and I think that’s important for a bowler in the modern game,” he added.
Simmons also spelt out the rationale behind CSK signing the currently-injured Spencer Johnson as a replacement for Nathan Ellis.
“Strategically, to have someone like him with his pace and left-arm bowling is really important. We’re not sure how much of a role he’ll play this year, but that’s fine. A lot of scouting is finding out from people who know the individuals. That was certainly done to get an understanding. He’s got a lot of attributes that we were excited about,” Simmons explained.
Published on Apr 12, 2026
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach Eric Simmons attributed the team’s improved bowling performance in…
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#Bangladesh #retains #squad #Zealand #ODIs">Bangladesh retains squad for first two New Zealand ODIs
Bangladesh named an unchanged squad on Saturday for the first two matches of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the first announcement by a newly formed selection panel.
The four-member panel, led by Habibul Bashar Sumon, opted to stick with the same group that featured in the ODI series against Pakistan last month, citing continuity and overall team performance.
Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-1 in the home ODI series.
“Our policy is to give adequate opportunities to anyone who comes into the team. We believe in continuity, which is why we did not change the team for this series,” Habibul, who took over last month, told reporters.
The selectors also backed out-of-form opener Saif Hassan, who managed just 52 runs in three matches in the Pakistan series.
“We want to give him more opportunities before making a decision. We do not want to go into a chop-and-change approach,” he said.
READ: Virat Kohli signs Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cap, pens sweet message
New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for the white-ball tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is.
The opening two ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, followed by the third on April 23 at Chattogram.
The T20I series will begin in Chattogram with matches on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2.
SQUAD
Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Published on Apr 11, 2026
SQUAD
Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Bangladesh named an unchanged squad on Saturday for the first two matches of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the first announcement by a newly formed selection panel.
The four-member panel, led by Habibul Bashar Sumon, opted to stick with the same group that featured in the ODI series against Pakistan last month, citing continuity and overall team performance.
Bangladesh beat Pakistan 2-1 in the home ODI series.
“Our policy is to give adequate opportunities to anyone who comes into the team. We believe in continuity, which is why we did not change the team for this series,” Habibul, who took over last month, told reporters.
The selectors also backed out-of-form opener Saif Hassan, who managed just 52 runs in three matches in the Pakistan series.
“We want to give him more opportunities before making a decision. We do not want to go into a chop-and-change approach,” he said.
READ: Virat Kohli signs Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s cap, pens sweet message
New Zealand is scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on Monday for the white-ball tour, which includes three ODIs and three T20Is.
The opening two ODIs will be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 17 and 20, followed by the third on April 23 at Chattogram.
The T20I series will begin in Chattogram with matches on April 27 and 29, before concluding in Dhaka on May 2.
SQUAD
Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.
Published on Apr 11, 2026
Bangladesh named an unchanged squad on Saturday for the first two matches of the upcoming…
