CSK vs RR: Navjot Singh Sidhu shares his 2 cents on Sanju Samson's controversial dismissal

Legendary commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has claimed that Sanju Samson's dismissal last night against the Delhi Capitals was a technological howler. 

Navjot Singh Sidhu made these comments while speaking to Star Sports yesterday after the Delhi Capitals defeated Rajasthan Royals by 20 runs. With the loss, Sanju Samson's side squandered the opportunity to become the first team in IPL 2024 to get themselves qualified for the playoffs. They will now have to wait until their next game to put 'Q' ahead of their name in the points table. 

Sanju Samson's dismissal: Turning point of the game

After the Delhi Capitals had posted 221 on the board, the Rajasthan Royals needed to chase down a mammoth total to qualify for their 2nd play-offs in 3 seasons. But the start to their run-chase got off to a shaky start as Yashasvi Jaiswal was sent back to the pavilion in only the 2nd ball of the 1st over by Khaleel Ahmed. 

Sanju Samson was in the crease along with Jos Buttler and the duo did well to sustain the early damage. They kept the required run-rate in check but Buttler, who departed in the powerplay's 2nd last delivery, was not in a good rhythm and got out after 17-ball 19. 

Then Riyan Parag came into the crease and departed after playing out a similar knock as Jos Buttler for a 22-ball 27. When Parag departed, RR were at 103/3 and he was replaced by left-hand batter Shubham Singh. 

He watched on as his captain Sanju Samson helped the visitors reach further close to the target with continuous boundaries. But in the 16th over bowled by Mukesh Kumar, changed the entire complexion of the game. 

Sanju Samson had struck Mukesh's 4th ball of the over towards long-on as the ball had almost gone for a six. However, Delhi Capitals batter Shai Hope had put up a brilliant left-handed effort to take the catch very close to the boundary ropes. 

Due to the lack of clarity in the catch by Shai Hope, the on-field umpire went upstairs. After a thorough review, the 3rd Umpire confirmed that the catch was legal and Sanju Samson had to leave the field for 86 runs. Following the wicket, RR were eventually restricted to 201 runs with DC winning the game by 20 runs. 

What did Navjot Singh Sidhu say? 

Navjot Singh Sidhu, from his observation, felt that the technology was at fault for Sanju Samson's dismissal. In simple words, Sidhu thought that Samson was not out as the side-on angle depicted that Shai Hope had touched the boundary cushion not once but twice.  

"The decision that changed the game was Sanju Samson's dismissal. There could be differences of opinion, but if you look at the side-on angle, it touches the boundary twice. It was pretty clear. Either you don't use technology, or if you're using it and the technology is making a mistake, it's like there's a fly in milk, and someone asks you to drink it." - Navjot Singh Sidhu said via Star Sports.