Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson feels he couldn’t have done anything more as his side agonizingly fell 4 runs short of the target in their IPL 2021 opener against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday (April 12).
Chasing 222 to win, RR batting line-up faltered under pressure except for Samson, who took the Punjab attack to the cleaners to smash his third IPL century.
While his valiant ton kept Rajasthan in the chase, Samson failed to take his team over the line when 13 runs were needed in the final over. The captain hit the fourth delivery for a maximum before refusing to take a single on the penultimate ball and then getting out on the last ball for 119 off 63 balls, including 12 fours and 7 sixes.
"I don't have words to explain my feelings, very close game, came close but unfortunately. I don't think I could have done anything more, timed it well, but unfortunately couldn't clear the man in the deep," Samson said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Earlier, PBKS piled up a massive 221/6 in their allotted 20 overs. KL Rahul (91 off 50 balls), Deepak Hooda (64 off 28 balls) and Chris Gayle (40 off 28 balls) were the stars with the bat.
"It's all part of the game (when asked about the bowlers going for plenty from both sides), we thought the wicket was getting better and we could chase the target down. Despite the loss, I think the team played really well," Samson added.
According to the Rajasthan Royals skipper, second half of his knock was his best innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"The second part of my innings was my best IPL performance. But I went back to the basics, communicated with my partners, accepted they were bowling well, rotated strike early, and got into my rhythm. I really enjoy my shots, but I come to the present after playing them," said Samson.
"When I am in the zone, and watching the ball well, the sixes come out naturally, and in that process, I tend to lose my wickets also. Happy to play that way no matter what. (Batting long) mainly about trusting yourself and the process," he further remarked.
Rajasthan Royals will take on Delhi Capitals in their next game on April 15 in Mumbai.
(With ANI inputs)
