After Chennai Super Kings’ emphatic win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, one of the most memorable tributes to Sanju Samson’s magnificent century came from an unexpected but fitting voice: Shashi Tharoor. The Member of Parliament and long-time admirer of the Kerala batter celebrated the innings with a specially written poem on social media, turning Samson’s latest IPL masterclass into a literary moment as well.
Tharoor has never hidden his support for Samson. Over the years, he has consistently backed the wicketkeeper-batter through the ups and downs of his India journey, often questioning why such a gifted player has not always received the opportunities his talent deserves. After Samson’s commanding knock in Mumbai, Tharoor moved beyond public praise and expressed his admiration through verse, capturing both the elegance and authority of the innings.
The poem followed a classic AABB rhyme scheme, matching the rhythm and control that have become hallmarks of Samson’s batting. The simple but lyrical structure gave the tribute a flowing feel, much like the innings itself. In many ways, the poem reflected what Samson produced at the crease — balance, timing, and effortless shot-making under pressure.
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This was Samson’s second century for CSK in IPL 2026, and it has further underlined the impact he has made after arriving as a trade from Rajasthan Royals. In the process, he also became only the second CSK batter after Shane Watson in 2018 to score two centuries in a single IPL season, a rare milestone that places him in elite company.
There’s something about Sanju, a grace in the air,
With a flick of the wrists and a nonchalant stare.
When the timing is crisp and the ball meets the wood,
He’s doing the things that we all wish we could.
From Jaipur’s bright lights to the Wankhede sun,
He builds up the pressure… https://t.co/62a07KAF0X— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 24, 2026
Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 101 off 54 balls was the backbone of CSK’s commanding total. From the moment he settled in, he looked in complete control, mixing classical strokeplay with clean power-hitting. He struck 10 boundaries and six sixes, anchoring the innings with maturity while also maintaining a brisk tempo throughout.
What stood out most was Samson’s game awareness. Even as wickets fell around him, he stayed committed to the bigger picture and ensured CSK never lost momentum. In the death overs, he showed discipline against Jasprit Bumrah before targeting Krish Bhagat in the final over, collecting 15 runs and pushing Chennai beyond the 200-run mark.
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Mumbai’s chase never recovered. Despite a few tactical adjustments, including a controversial concussion substitute, CSK’s bowling attack quickly seized control. Akeal Hosein, introduced as an Impact Player, ripped through the top order with his left-arm spin and reduced MI to 11 for 3 inside the Powerplay. He ended with outstanding figures of 4 for 17, and Mumbai were eventually bundled out for 104, handing CSK a dominant victory in one of the season’s biggest rivalries.
