Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson on Monday (18th April) lauded his team’s performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 30 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. 

Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal were the standout performers for RR in their 7-run win over KKR in Mumbai. While the English batter continued his red-hot form to score his second ton of the season, the leg-spinner turned the game in his side’s favour during the fag end of KKR’s chase. 

After Buttler’s innings powered RR to a gigantic score of 217 runs, KKR batters Aaron Finch (58) and Shreyas Iyer (85) put the Samson-led franchise under immense pressure and it seemed that they would take their side home. 

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But not many expected Chahal, who conceded 38 runs in his first three overs, to do the wonders for his side. He started their 17th over with the wicket of Venkatesh Iyer (6) and gave away only two runs in the first three balls.

After that, the wrist-spinner etched his name into the record book as he took his maiden hat-trick in the IPL. Chahal trapped well-set Shreyas (85)  LBW before dismissing Shivam Mavi and Pat Cummins.

Umesh gave RR a little scare But Obed McCoy bowled a brilliant over and defended 11 runs in the last over to help his side win the match by 7 runs. 

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Sanju Samson lauded Chahal and Buttler for their performances. He also pointed out R Ashwin’s ball to Andre Russell as a key moment and praised McCoy for his last over. 

“Chahal and Buttler’s performances were there for the world to see. Ashwin’s ball stood out as well. McCoy does not talk much and is calm, his ability to bowl well under pressure was commendable,” Sanju Samson said. 

Calling the match ‘tense and interesting’, Samson said it was important for them to stay calm and believe in themselves. He admitted that KKR didn’t give them a chance but wickets, in the end, helped them. 

“It was very tense and interesting. It was important to be calm and believe in ourselves. Halfway, I thought it was chaseable. They played very well and did not give chances. But the wickets helped,” he said. 

RR will next face Delhi Capitals in their next match on Friday (22nd April) at MCA Stadium in Pune. 

(ANI inputs)