INDIA PREMIER LEAGUE 2020
Samson returned to form, scored an excellent half-century undefeated and became the six-hitter this season so far © BCCI / IPL
Sanju Samson was having another frustrating IPL season after an initial promise. He followed up his first two starts of 72 (37) and 85 (42) with this: 8, 4, 0, 5, 26, 25, 9, 0, 36. He faced heavy criticism for not being able to replicate his Sharjah form. on larger terrains and challenging conditions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But Sunday’s game against the Mumbai Indians turned out to be a great redemption.
Samson and Ben Stokes put in a superlative position of 152 runs for the third wicket, during which Samson rehearsed the role of a capable centurion ally, to perfection. While Stokes led the way with a 107 * of 60 balls, Samson finished with an impressive 54 of 31 balls.
“I kept believing in myself,” Sanju Samson told STAR at the end of his special effort in the incredible victory of the Rajasthan Royals. “When you play 14 games, you’re going to have to go through ups and downs. I worked a little bit on my game plan. On bigger grounds, on different grounds, you need to take more time, play more cricket shots, that was the difference I made today.”
Samson joined Stokes in Steve Smith’s wicket knockdown in the fifth over, with the score at 44 for 2. Due to Stokes’ new role at the top of the order, Samson has batted with him quite a bit until the great society of the Sunday.
“It was amazing (hitting with Stokes). We’ve had a good time in the middle the last three games, this was the best moment with him, I really enjoyed it.
“I wasn’t looking at how many runs we want or what the running speed was. I was just reacting to the ball, my game plan is very simple, I just look at the ball and hit it if it’s there. If not, I take singles and doubles. I just go. I kept it simple and finished it. [We] I’ve seen some fun games in the past at IPL where the matches have gone here and there, “said Samson.
The real and definitive turning point of this chase came in the four-plus period between the 13th and 16th. RR went from 107-for-2 in 12 overs to 172-for-2 in 16 overs – completely turning the tables on one of the best bowling attacks of the tournament. Once that was done, the pair also saw his side, winning with up to 10 balls to spare.
“I wanted to be there until the end and luckily we did it today for the team. I gave myself some time, but at the same time I was looking for limits, I was trying some hits against Chahar but I couldn’t. The intention was there, I took 5-6 balls to get in and then I started showing intention, “Samson said.
The good form also meant that Samson reverted to his usual six-hit form, eventually finishing the innings with the most sixes in the tournament so far. Rajasthan expects that form to continue as in the remaining two games against playoff hopefuls Kings XI Punjab (on October 30) and Kolkata Knight Riders (on November 1).
© Cricbuzz
