After scoring a magnificent 119 off 63 deliveries in his Indian Premier League (IPL) captaincy debut, Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) skipper Sanju Samson said that he couldn’t have done anything more to win the game for his side in their campaign opener against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Mumbai on Monday.
When RR needed five off the final ball, Samson was packed back by Arshdeep Singh and as a result, PBKS won the nail-biting contest by four runs.
“I don’t have words to tell, very close game, came close but unfortunately… I don’t think I could have done anything more. I timed it well, but unfortunately couldn’t clear the man in the deep. It’s all part of the game,” said Samson in post-match presentation ceremony.
RR needed 13 runs in the last over, Samson hit a six in the fourth ball but failed to cross the ropes in the final ball.
“The second part of the innings was the best I ever played. In the first part, I was not timing it very well. I took my time, respected the bowlers, took singles and got into a rhythm and then I started to play my shots in the second half,” he said.
“I enjoy my shots but I come back to the present after I play those shots. It automatically happens, when I focus on my skills and watch the ball and react. Sometimes I lose my wicket also, so I just play the same way.”
Samsonfurther expressed that it was about trusting his processes and being honest to his skills and abilities.
On the other hand, PBKS skipper KL Rahul said that he believed in his team and was sure that a couple of wickets will hand his side a victory.
“The game went deep only because me included, we dropped some sitters. We bowled well until about 11-12 overs. We’re used to this, and it’s not something new for us, but a win like this brings the team together,” he expressed.
“We batted really well and bowled well in patches. We weren’t consistent with the lengths but the bowlers will learn. A lot of talented, skilful players, and it’s important that we back them,” Rahul, who scored 91 in his team’s 221 for 6 after being asked to bat, added.