IPL 2021: Sanju Samson Made The Right Decision To Keep The Strike, Says Brian Lara

Former West Indies legend Brian Lara had come in support of Sanju Samson’s decision to keep the strike for the last ball despite having an opportunity to get a single. Samson’s decision did not reap rewards and he was dismissed off the last ball when Rajasthan needed 5 runs to win. Samson scored a brilliant century in a massive chase against the Punjab Kings and took the team almost over the line.

It was an impressive effort from the youngster who became the first player to hit a century on captaincy debut. Rajasthan needed 13 runs off the final over and Samson managed to hit a six in the fourth ball to bring the equation to 5 runs needed in 2 balls. Arshdeep Singh bowled a brilliant last over and became the star of the show for the Punjab Kings.

“I Would Not Point Fingers At Him For Not Taking That Single” –  Brian Lara

Brian Lara backed the decision of Sanju Samson who refused to get to the other end ahead of the final delivery of the innings. He told that Samson had the ability to clear the ropes better than Morris at the moment and also it was a big risk to take a second run as it went straight into the hands of the fielder. He appreciated the efforts of Sanju Samson who won the hearts of the people.

“I think it was the right decision. I think if anybody had to hit a boundary, it had to be Sanju Samson. If he had gone back for the 2nd run, there was an opportunity to get him run out. I think he did the right thing. No doubts about it in my mind. Tremendous innings. I would not point fingers at him for not taking that single in the last over,” Brian Lara told Star Sports.

Sunil Gavaskar Praises Sanju Samson For His Excellent Knock

The former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was mightily impressed by Sanju Samons’ innings and he praised the youngster to have done a brilliant job. He noted the shots played by Samson all around the park and also highlighted the tough shots he played over extra cover. He added that Samson’s knock deserved a win and it was unfortunate for him to end up on the losing side.

“Outstanding performance. He deserved a win for that knock. It was sheer brilliance because you saw shots all round the park. Playing over the extra cover is never an easy shot but he was doing it very well till the last ball. He just about showed you every shot in the book with power and elegance combined. That knock deserved a win,” Gavaskar said.

The next game for the Sanju Samsons’ side will be against the Delhi Capitals on Thursday.