Rajasthan Royals (RR) got their IPL 2024 campaign off to a positive start as they recorded a comprehensive 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday (March 24).
RR skipper Sanju Samson led from the front as he slammed 82* off 52 balls to propel his team to 193/4 in 20 overs. His unbeaten knock was studded with 3 fours and 6 sixes.
In reply, KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran scored half-centuries to keep LSG in the hunt. However, other batters failed to make significant contributions as the visitors’ innings was restricted to 173/6.
After the game, Samson, who was adjudged Player of the Match for his batting exploits, said that it was great to spend time out there in the middle.
“It’s always great fun to spend time in the middle and it becomes more special when you win the game,” Samson said at the post-match presentation.
“This time I have been in a different role, with a slightly different combination,” he added.
Samson revealed that he has received some valuable tips from RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara and has been trying to implement it in his game.
“Sanga has given me suggestions and I have been playing IPL for ten years, so there’s experience coming in. I feel I need to spend more time and understand the conditions. Playing international ODIs also helped me,” the wicketkeeper-batter said.
“It’s all about understanding your strengths and weaknesses. I just react to the ball, no matter the first ball or the last ball, and that helps me maintain the shape,” he further remarked.
Sanju Samson had special praise reserved for seamer Sandeep Sharma, who returned with the figures of 1/22 in his three overs.
“I should give this trophy to him (Sandeep). If he didn't bowl those three overs, I wouldn't be POTM. I thought I should call him. I heard Ash bhai say it's not just about skill but character in pressure moments. He has that in his eyes, in his body language that you can trust that guy,” he concluded.
Rajasthan Royals’ next match is scheduled against the Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on March 28.
