Sanju Samson’s brilliant century at the Wankhede Stadium will quite rightly dominate the headlines.
At first it was possible – and you can read all about it here.
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Scoring a hundred against Mumbai Indians on their home turf is no small feat, especially in what remains the most famous rivalry in the Indian Premier League. Still, while the applause focused on Samson has an unbeaten 101 off 54 ballsthe real reason why Chennai Super Kings secured victory lay elsewhere – in the sharp tactical call from the ground.
This was in many ways a lesson in intelligent use of the Impact Player rule. While the spectacle played out with the bat, the contest itself turned into a decision made deep in the innings.
That moment came in the 18th game, when the ČSK management decided to deviate from their original plan and take a calculated risk – one that ultimately shifted the balance of the match.
NO SAFETY NET OF PACKAGING
During the middle matches, Chennai Super Kings seemed to be in a spot. They were four down when Shivam Dube departed and the run rate started to drop. The usual response would be to deploy Prashant Veer as Impact Sub to strengthen the batting. In fact, Ruturaj Gaikwad hinted at this approach while tossing around. Teams at this position usually want to add more batter and get well past 200.
Instead, Chennai showed rare clarity. They sent in Kartik Sharma and while his contribution was far from explosive, it was exactly what the situation called for. By occupying the crease for 18 deliveries, he provided a crucial buffer that allowed the innings to stabilize. Had he fallen earlier, management might have been forced to complete a pre-planned innings. Instead, Sharma’s stay bought them time – and with it a shift in perspective.
When he finally fell, the plan changed almost immediately. Jamie Overton was sent on to provide a late boost, but more importantly, the idea of a batting rotation was quietly shelved. Instead, Akeal Hosein was sent in after Overton’s dismissal in the 18th over, with management trusting Sanju Samson to finish the innings.
The move opted for bowling power over batting insurance, ensuring the unit had the necessary strength for the second innings. It was a cool, calculated move that put the defense ahead before the first inning was over.
This pivot turned out to be the winning turn of the match.
AKEAL HOSEIN WHO COUNTS
The last two overs were about keeping calm. Facing Jasprit Bumrah in the 19th over was a monumental task, so Chennai ensured Samson faced most of the balls to bat. Akeal Hosein played his part perfectly, refusing to waste deliveries and instead taking a single to get men back on strike. A score of 10 runs from Bumrah over kept the momentum firmly with the visitors.
The final check saw Samson take full control. Hardik Pandya made a surprising choice not to bowl himself, instead giving the ball to young Krish Bhagat. Samson smashed 16 runs to reach his century and push the total to 207.
Crucially, by not using the sub to bat, Chennai kept Hosein fresh to lead the bowling defence. Samson’s unbeaten 101 was a masterclass in situational awareness, but it was the synergy with Hosein that allowed him to strike with such freedom in those final moments.
They had a big gun in their pocket, something Mumbai hadn’t planned for. This partnership was more than just runs; it was about managing the strike and creating a dominant unit. By the time the shift closed, the psychological advantage had already shifted towards the men in yellow.
HOSEINS FEARLESS WANKHEDE DEMOLITION DERBY
Mumbai faced a heightened attack after Chennai’s play in the middle of the innings. Akeal Hosein used the surface to finish with clinical figures of 4/17. In a post-match interview, Hosein noted the complexity of the pitch: “The wicket offered both, some swinging and catching as well. So for me it was just trying to make the best of the conditions.”
Initially too flat, Hosein adjusts his length against Denmark’s Malewar and throws the ball up to find the breakthrough. “That was definitely the plan, to stay on the stumps,” he explained. He followed it up by dismissing Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, a feat he attributed to Dwayne Bravo’s mentorship.
“He said like bowlers … you’re going to get hit. So if you can put that out of your mind and focus on your plans … and forget about the fear of getting hit, I think you’re fine,” Hosein revealed.
Alongside Noor Ahmad, Hosein strangled the chase to hand Mumbai their heaviest defeat at home. While his lack of playing time at the start of the season was a point of contention, this performance likely secures him a place in the playing XI for the foreseeable future.
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– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
24 Apr 2026 07:50 IST
