Chennai Super Kings’ remarkable turnaround in IPL 2026 gathered further momentum after their commanding victory over Delhi Capitals, but it was Ravichandran Ashwin’s post-match assessment that grabbed attention. While Sanju Samson once again starred with the bat and continued his stunning season, Ashwin surprisingly claimed that left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein currently plays an even bigger role in the CSK setup. The veteran off-spinner highlighted how Hosein’s control during the powerplay and middle overs has become the foundation of Chennai’s recent success.
CSK entered the contest under pressure but produced a clinical all-round display against Delhi Capitals. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Delhi Capitals struggled on a sluggish surface. They were reeling at 69/5 by the 11th over before a 65-run partnership between Tristan Stubbs (38) and Impact Player Sameer Rizvi (40)* helped them reach a total of 155/7. Spinners Akeal (1/19) and Noor Ahmad (2/22) strangled the scoring in the middle overs.
Chasing 156, CSK lost captain Ruturaj Gaikwad early, but Samson anchored the chase with majestic authority. He smashed an unbeaten 87 off 52 balls, including seven fours and six sixes, to earn the Player of the Match award. Samson was well-supported by youngster Kartik Sharma (41)*. The duo shared an unbroken 114-run stand for the third wicket—a record for CSK against DC—finishing the chase in just 17.3 overs.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains why Akeal Hosein’s contribution is more valuable than Sanju Samson
Speaking on his YouTube channel after the match, Ashwin explained why he believes Akeal’s contribution currently outweighs even that of Samson. Akeal’s ability to bowl inside the powerplay has given CSK a massive tactical advantage. His accuracy, variation in pace, and calmness under pressure have allowed Chennai to attack aggressively with field placements while restricting opposition scoring opportunities.
“Akeal Hosein has a bigger role than Chetta. Why? CSK crossed 100 in 13 overs, but Delhi were 76/5 or something, where Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi started a partnership. In the first 13 overs, Akeal Hosein finished his overs. In his four overs, he gave 19 runs and took one wicket. He bowled three overs in the power play,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin’s comments reflected the growing importance of control bowlers in modern T20 cricket. While explosive batting performances often dominate headlines, Chennai’s bowling unit has quietly become one of the most effective attacks in the tournament. The West Indies spinner once again delivered a highly economical spell against Delhi Capitals, choking the flow of runs at a crucial stage and ensuring the Capitals never truly recovered after losing early wickets.
Samson and Akeal driving CSK’s IPL 2026 campaign
The arrivals of Samson and Akeal have completely transformed Chennai Super Kings’ campaign this season. After joining CSK in a blockbuster move from Rajasthan Royals, Samson has become the backbone of the batting lineup. The stylish wicketkeeper-batter has scored 402 runs in 10 matches, including two centuries. His crucial and match winning knocks underlined ability to dominate quality bowling attacks.
However, while Samson has provided flair and consistency with the bat, Akeal has delivered balance to the bowling department. Partnering Noor Ahmad in the spin attack, the left-arm spinner has emerged as one of CSK’s most reliable performers. His match-winning spell of 4/17 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium earlier in the tournament showcased his impact in high-pressure games. More importantly, his ability to bowl in multiple phases of the innings has helped Chennai build one of the strongest defensive bowling units this season.
