Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a memorable campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The Sanju Samson-led side for the first time since 2008 reached the final but fell one step short of the glory.
They suffered a 7-wicket loss in the finals against Gujarat Titans (GT), who won the title in their inaugural season. The likes of Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin and others stepped up at the crucial stages and contributed to their side’s success.
After they suffered a disappointing loss against GT in the final, skipper Samson and coach Kumar Sangakkara gave heartwarming speeches in the dressing room. There also was a hilarious moment during the speech of the skipper when Shimron Hetymer was seen eating dinner rather the focusing on the captain’s words.
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Speaking in a video posted on RR’s Twitter account, Samson lauded his side for the standard of cricket his side played throughout the tournament. The 27-year old said that rather than going home he would like to stay with the team and play some more matches.
"The level and standard of cricket we have played throughout the tournament we all are very proud, very proud to be a part of a team like this. I am just 27 and I am a leader of this team, I felt every time I walked out to the ground with you all together I felt like, this is the way I want to play cricket. Yes, we all want to go back home but if you ask me, I would like to stay and play a few more games with all you guys,” Samson said.
Samson praised his team for supporting him throughout the tournament and credited Sangakkara for communicating with the players through ups and downs.
“Honestly thanks a lot for each and everyone. Thanks a lot for trusting in my decision-making. I think I might have made some bad decisions but some good decisions and I am definitely learning and growing as a leader.
"“Thanks a lot Sanga. Huge credit goes to Sanga for taking care of the group as a strong leader, the way you communicate through the ups and downs, especially last year when we were fighting for 7th and 8th position, the way you managed the team was unbelievable,” he said.
After that, the hilarious moment came when he during his speech turned his attention towards Hetymer and hilariously thanked him for eating dinner during his speech. Everyone in the dressing room was left in splits with Samson’s comments on Hetymer.
"And would like to thank the support staff, physios, masseurs. And Hettie thanks for eating that dinner while I am giving a great speech," he said.
Here’s the video:
Sangakkara said that it’s important for them to appreciate that they followed the process, which was the main reason behind them being in the final. He added that they got a reality check and there’s no shame in losing as they weren’t good enough and GT deserved to win.
"I think it's really important that we all appreciate number 1 the process that got us here all the great cricket that we played and also take a reality check from today that wasn't good enough. We had opportunities. yes But to convert in a final, it takes a special effort, and Gujarat were deserved winners; they beat us three times in three games that we played against them. And that just proves that on the day. They were better and there's no shame in losing," he said.
