MI vs CSK: Harbhajan Singh Hails Sanju Samson Ton & Akeal Hosein’s Match-Winning Spell As CSK Win By 103 Runs

Chennai Super Kings beat Mumbai Indians by 103 runs in TATA IPL 2026. Sanju Samson hit a century, and Akeal Hosein took four wickets. JioStar experts praised Samson and CSK’s spin attack. They also highlighted Mumbai’s concerns and previewed today’s RCB-GT match.

Speaking on JioHotstar's 'Google Search AI Mode Match Centre Live’, Suresh Raina praised Samson’s knock. He said Samson built his innings smartly and showed patience. Raina noted his straight bat and respect for good balls, especially versus Jasprit Bumrah. He added that Samson capitalised on loose deliveries with sharp placement.

Raina underlined Samson’s current form in the TATA IPL 2026. He pointed to a century at the start of the tournament. He also mentioned a score of 48 and now another hundred. Raina said this run of scores shows Samson is in outstanding touch.

Harbhajan on Samson’s game awareness and finish

Harbhajan Singh, on the same JioHotstar show, stressed Samson’s awareness. He said many have talent but fewer pace innings well. Samson batted till the end with a young side around. After his fifty, he changed gears, focused on singles and doubles, and finished strongly.

Harbhajan highlighted CSK spinners’ intent to take wickets. He said they were actually spinning the ball in a T20 game. The pitch offered a significant turn, and they used it well. He called Akeal Hosein outstanding and praised his plan versus Suryakumar Yadav’s sweep shot.

Harbhajan said Hosein’s dismissal of Suryakumar showed strong awareness. He felt the spell matched Samson’s hundred in impact. Four wickets in such a match was a major contribution. He said it was no less than a match-winning effort with the ball.

Speaking on Star Sports' Amul Cricket Live’, Anil Kumble discussed Samson’s impact. He said CSK earlier relied on strong opening starts. That had dipped in recent seasons. Samson now has two unbeaten hundreds in seven matches. Kumble compared his role to Jos Buttler’s influence for the Rajasthan Royals.

Mumbai’s growing concerns

Kumble said RCB will seek a response after losing to the Delhi Capitals. He felt GT look low on confidence and rely on the top order. He said early strikes by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar could expose GT’s middle order. Aakash Chopra, on Star Sports, said MI miss Rohit Sharma.

Chopra said weak starts make 210–220 chases tough for MI. He noted limited returns from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Tilak Varma’s hundred was a batting positive. With the ball, only Jasprit Bumrah has contained runs. Chopra said Ghazanfar has been steady but lacks enough support.