CSK vs RR: Sanju Samson not out? Paul Collingwood delivers bold verdict on 'friend' Michael Gough's controversial decision

Former Delhi Capitals batter Paul Collingwood has become the latest to react to Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson's controversial dismissal last night. 

The incident occurred at the Arun Jaitley stadium and it involved Sanju Samson, who was given out on a close call when he was just 14 runs away from a century. Samson's dismissal in the 16th over changed the complexion of the game entirely as the Rajasthan Royals lost the match against Delhi Capitals from a winning position. 

What actually happened in the Sanju Samson dismissal?

During Rajasthan Royals' chase of 222 runs at the Arun Jaitley stadium, Sanju Samson played a key role with the bat as he ended up as the highest scorer. He became the highest scorer of not only his team but also of the match. His presence in the crease was so important that following his dismissal the entire game changed totally. 

Sanju Samson came into the crease in just the 1st over of the 2nd innings after Yashasvi Jaiswal got out in the first over bowled by Khaleel Ahmed. Samson then took the onus of scoring runs alongside Jos Buttler who did not look like he was in a good rhythm. 

The duo shared 63 runs between them before Buttler was sent packing for 19 off 17 balls. Riyan Parag, who came in at number 4, failed to provide an impact and got out for a 122 strike rate 27 off 22 balls. Number 5 batter Shubham Singh was the one who really came in support of Sanju Samson. 

While Shubham kept rotating the strike, Sanju Samson led from the front to score runs and keep the required run rate in check. As Samson was smacking all over the park, the 4th ball of the 16th over bowled by Mukesh Kumar changed the game. 

Samson struck that ball towards long-on and while it was on its way to a six, Shai Hope pulled off a brilliant effort to take the catch. He balanced himself very well to keep off the boundary with the 3rd Umpire finding Hope's catch as legal. That decision caused plenty of stir on the field with Sanju Samson also expressing his disagreement on the same. 

It also triggered reactions from the Rajasthan Royals dugout with Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara seen in an animated mode from the sidelines. Many cricket pundits also expressed their views and Paul Collingwood has become the latest. 

Collingwood defends 3rd Umpire Michael Gough 

While speaking to Star Sports after the Delhi Capitals won by 20 runs, Paul Collingwood came in defense of 3rd Umpire Michael Gough's decision. Collingwood confirmed that Gough is his very good friend and that he is obliged to defend him. 

The former English all-rounder stated that it was a close call and that the decision really changed the game. Collingwood also admitted that Michael Gough could have at least checked it one more time. 

"Goughy (Michael Gough) is a very good friend of mine. So I am going to defend him (chuckles). Maybe he could have given himself another angle, just to double-check. Because it was so, so close. Those decisions and those moments make a huge difference. So maybe he could have given himself a little bit more time," Paul Collingwood said via Star Sports.

“I know in the IPL, the organisers want to quicken things up, the umpires are being told that they have got to quicken the decisions. I think, on this occasion, a couple of more angles, just to clarify could have put everybody at ease. That might have been the best way to go,” he added.