CSK vs RR: Kumar Sangakkara issues an official statement on Sanju Samson's controversial dismissal vs DC

Rajasthan Royals' Sri-Lankan Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has shed light on Sanju Samson's controversial dismissal last night against the Delhi Capitals. 

The incident took place last night at the Arun Jaitley stadium wherein the 3rd Umpire gave a very close call to Shai Hope's attempt to catch out Sanju Samson. Hope was extremely close to the boundary ropes and it was indeed a very tight call ultimately. However, Kumar Sangakkara wasn't appreciative of the decision during the post-match press conference. 

What happened with Sanju Samson?  

After the Delhi Capitals had posted a competitive target of 222 on the board, the Rajasthan Royals had initially got off to a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed in the very first over of the 2nd innings after hitting a four off Khaleel Ahmed. Then after a 63-run partnership between Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson, the Englishman departed in the 6th over. 

By the next 4 overs, Rajasthan Royals had scored 103 runs but instead of capitalizing on the start, Riyan Parag was sent back to the pavilion for 27 off 22. In the next 5 overs, Sanju Samson partnered with Shubham Singh and the RR captain took the charge into his own hands after Parag's dismissal. 

Sanju Samson kept the scoreboard ticking continuously, smacking 2-3 boundaries in every over until the 16th over of the match. During the overbowled by Mukesh Kumar, Samson was under pressure to find the boundary ropes. 

In the 4th ball of the over, Mukesh Kumar served a length and on middle delivery. Sanju Samson smeared it down the ground on air towards long-on and it had almost cleared the fence. However, Shai Hope had cut it off to take a brilliant catch to his left while balancing himself inside the cushions.

The replays show that he was close to the cushions but didn't touch them. And Sanju Samson wasn't happy at all with the decision and he also uttered a few words before leaving for the dressing room. 

What did Kumar Sangakkara say about this incident?

While speaking to media reporters during the press conference, Kumar Sangakkara wasn't critical of the Umpire's decision. The former Sri Lanka captain rather maturely handled the matter, as a Director of Cricket should. He did claim that it was a close call and that the RR dugout thought it was not out but the ultimate decision is on the Umpires. 

And that regardless of what it could have been, Kumar Sangakkara felt that agreeing to the Umpire's decision was the best thing to do. He also hailed Delhi Capitals for turning up with such a clinical performance. 

"It depends on replays and angles. Sometimes, you think the foot has touched. It was a difficult one for the third umpire to judge; the game was at a crucial stage, but it happened."

"We have different perspectives, but at the end of the day, you have to stand by the decision the third umpire has made, even if we have a different opinion on it. Of course, we will share it with the umpires, but I thought, irrespective of that, we should've seen the game home. Delhi played well." - Kumar Sangakkara told reporters in Arun Jaitley stadium.