By The first century in IPL 2026 has become one of the biggest talking points of the Indian Premier League season. Every IPL edition brings unforgettable performances, but a century early in the tournament always creates massive excitement among fans. This time, it was a stunning knock from Sanju Samson that grabbed headlines and went viral across the cricket world.
In this blog, we break down who scored the first century in IPL 2026, the full match story, key highlights, stats, and why this innings is trending everywhere.
Who Scored the First Century in IPL 2026?
The first century of IPL 2026 was scored by Sanju Samson, who delivered a brilliant unbeaten knock for the Chennai Super Kings.
Samson smashed an incredible 115 off 56 balls*, showcasing his aggressive yet controlled batting style. This innings came at a crucial time for his team and helped them dominate the match.
Full Match Story: How the Century Happened
The match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals turned into a high-scoring thriller. CSK needed a strong performance, and Samson stepped up in style.
Early Overs – Cautious Start
Samson started carefully, taking his time to settle in. He focused on timing the ball and rotating the strike rather than playing risky shots.
Middle Overs – Building the Innings
Once settled, Samson began accelerating. He found boundaries consistently and kept the scoreboard ticking. His ability to pick gaps made it difficult for bowlers to contain him.
Death Overs – Complete Domination
In the final overs, Samson went into full attacking mode. He smashed multiple sixes and boundaries, bringing up his century in spectacular fashion. His unbeaten knock pushed CSK past the 200-run mark, putting immense pressure on the opposition.
Match Stats & Highlights
- Runs: 115*
- Balls Faced: 56
- Strike Rate: 200+
- Fours: 15
- Sixes: 4
This innings was not just about scoring runs—it was about controlling the game and finishing strongly.
Viral Moments from the Match
This innings quickly became one of the most viral moments of IPL 2026:
1. Social Media Explosion
Fans flooded platforms with clips of Samson’s shots and his century celebration.
2. Stunning Shot Selection
His clean hitting and elegant stroke play impressed both fans and experts.
3. Match-Winning Impact
This was not just a personal milestone—it played a crucial role in CSK’s victory.
4. Celebration Goes Viral
Samson’s calm and confident celebration after reaching his century became a viral highlight.
Why This Century Is So Special
Scoring a century in T20 cricket is always challenging, but Samson’s knock stood out because of:
- Perfect balance between aggression and control
- Smart shot selection under pressure
- Ability to accelerate at the right moment
- Consistency throughout the innings
This innings proved why Samson is considered one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket.
Impact on IPL 2026 Season
This century has already had a major impact on the tournament:
- Boosted Chennai Super Kings’ confidence
- Set the benchmark for other batters
- Increased excitement among fans
- Strengthened Samson’s position in the Orange Cap race
Performances like these often shape the entire season.
What This Means for the Orange Cap Race
With this century, Samson has taken an early lead in the race for the Orange Cap. Starting the tournament with such a strong performance gives him a big advantage over other players.
Conclusion
The first century in IPL 2026 by Sanju Samson will be remembered as one of the most exciting moments of the season. His unbeaten 115 not only entertained fans but also demonstrated his match-winning ability.
As IPL 2026 continues, fans can expect more thrilling performances, but this innings will always stand out as the one that started the fireworks.
FAQs
Who scored the first century in IPL 2026?
Sanju Samson scored the first century in IPL 2026 with an unbeaten 115 runs.
Why is this innings going viral?
It is trending due to its match-winning impact, explosive batting, and massive fan reactions.