IPL 2023: ‘He’ll be regretting the no-ball forever”- L Balaji on Sandeep Sharma costing RR the match against SRH

SRH chased down 215-run target set by RR on the last ball of 20th over.

Sandeep Sharma, the Rajasthan Royals fast bowler's no ball at the most unwanted moment related to his team losing a match that they should have won against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday, May 7^th, in the ongoing IPL 2023.

In a match that went down to the wire, Sandeep had to defend 17 runs and he did well until the last ball. Rajasthan Royals' joy turned into agony in a matter of seconds as pacer Sandeep Sharma had to re-bowl the final delivery of the match because of a no-ball.

The eventual final ball of the match was then hit for a six by Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abdul Samad, enabling his side's 4-wicket victory in the match, who chased down 214 runs.

Sandeep had previously done well against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), defending against the legendary MS Dhoni, but on Sunday, it was agony for the RR pacer.

Former India and Chennai Super Kings pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji doesn't feel Sandeep is going to forget this moment at any point in his life.

IPL 2023: “No-ball ruined our result,” says Sanju Samson after RR’s heartbreaking loss against SRH

"If we recollect the last over against CSK, Sandeep was able to pull back the game in the last three balls. Here he had another opportunity, but unfortunately that no ball cost him. He held his nerve and was able to keep things simple until the last ball was bowled.

For a moment he thought the match was over, but the sound of the siren came in a disheartening way. He will be regretting the no-ball forever. This one delivery will be playing in his mind," Balaji told Star Sports.

Earlier, thanks to 95 from Jos Buttler and 66* from captain Sanju Samson, RR had posted 214/2 in 20 overs.

In reply, Yuzvendra Chahal picked 4/29 to hurt SRH’s chase, but Glenn Phillips’ 25 in 7 balls brought them back in the game.

Balaji praised Phillips’ knock and said: "I thought Glenn Phillips is the kind of player, who can take on the bowlers. Probably, SRH decided Phillips to go in the last three overs when you are chasing a big total. He made absolutely great connection with the ball and I am sure that had helped the Sunrisers to have hope in their batting lineup.”

RR will now face off against KKR in Eden Gardens on May 11 and SRH will host LSG on May 13.