Matthew Hayden praised Sanju Samson’s consistent match-winning performances, highlighting his ability to handle both spin and pace adeptly, and powerful batting in T20 cricket.
Matthew Hayden, former Australian cricketer, lauded Sanju Samson’s exceptional form in the ongoing IPL season. Samson’s consistent performances, amassing 471 runs in 11 innings at an impressive average of 67.28 and a striking strike rate exceeding 160, have made him the third-highest run-scorer.
Unlike previous seasons where he struggled to maintain consistency, Samson’s five half-centuries this year have solidified his stature. This sustained performance earned him a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad as one of the wicketkeepers alongside Rishabh Pant, ahead of KL Rahul.
Despite his recent dismissal at 86 off 46 balls against Delhi Capitals, Samson’s batting, adeptness against both spin and pace and unwavering commitment to his team have been commendable throughout the tournament, according to Hayden’s analysis on Star Sports Cricket Live.
“Sanju Samson was batting like a dream, scoring 86 off 46 balls. He’s proven his worth time and again, winning matches for his team like he did against LSG. However, he’ll be disappointed he couldn’t carry Rajasthan across the finish line,” Hayden said.
“Throughout the tournament, he’s been a master blaster, handling both spin and pace with finesse. He times his innings well. He’s got the power. And the power is a big thing in T20 cricket. Yet, what stands out is his commitment to his team. He just needed a bit of luck, especially towards the end of the match,” he added.
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Notably, former India cricketer Varun Aaron also praised Samson’s batting but noted bowlers’ keenness to dismiss him, evident in their strategic avoidance of bowling bouncers.
“I think Sanju Samson has been batting really well. However, bowlers are keen on dismissing him, evident from their reluctance to bowl bouncers despite being allowed two per over in this IPL. Interestingly, the over he got out, Khaleel Ahmed bowled the first bouncer to him in the match. This seemed to disrupt his footwork, as the subsequent wide slow ball, which he typically dispatches for six over covers, resulted in his dismissal,” Aaron observed.
Despite a recent loss to DC, the Rajasthan Royals sits second in the league table, trailing only in net run rate but tied with KKR on 16 points from 11 matches. With three games left against CSK, PBKS, and KKR, RR will eye a top-two finish in the group stage.
Last Updated on May 8, 2024
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