Samson denied a single to Chris Morris when RR needed 5 runs to win 2 deliveries.
The newly appointed Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson was at his best in their first match of IPL 2021 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) as he hit the first century of IPL 14 but unfortunately for the right-hander, he could not get his team over the line.
While the Rajasthan-based franchise needed 13 to win in the last 5 runs to win in the last 2 balls, Samson denied the strike to South African all-rounder Chris Morris. While he was criticized heavily for this denied single, legendary batsman Brian Lara backed the RR skipper.
“I think it was the right decision. I think if anybody had to hit a boundary, it had to be Sanju Samson. If he had gone back for the 2nd run, there was an opportunity to get him run-out. I think he did the right thing. No doubts about it in my mind. Tremendous innings. I would not point fingers at him for not taking that single in the last over,” Lara told Star Sports.
Even the former India great Sunil Gavaskar was all praises about the 26-year-old and he felt that this knock definitely deserved a win.
IPL 2021: Cricket fraternity applauds valiant Sanju Samson ton as PBKS win a thriller
“Outstanding performance. He deserved a win for that knock. It was sheer brilliance because you saw shots all-round the park. Playing over the extra-cover is never an easy shot but he was doing it very well till the last ball. He just about showed you every shot in the book with power and elegance combined. That knock deserved a win,” Gavaskar said.
After a close match against PBKS, Sanju Samson and Co. will be taking field against Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals (DC) on 15 April at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
(With Star Sports inputs)