IPL 2018: Sanju Samson Credit Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes for Their Mental Toughness

One of the major turnarounds witnessed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season would be Rajasthan Royals (RR) overcoming their initial string of losses to compete for a spot in the playoffs.

Losing six out of the nine matches played, Royals won three back-to-back matches before suffering a loss at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The big fish in Royal’s lineup, Englishmen Jos Buttler, and Ben Stokes received adulation from Sanju Samson for their role in the recent wins, after a lousy start in the season.

Since being promoted up the order, Buttler proved to be unstoppable, registering four successive 50-plus scores. While Stokes contributed consistently with the ball after missing out with the bat.

“I am very happy to see the way Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are playing. They didn’t do very well in the initial matches but I really respect the way they have come good at the right time and shown their mental toughness,” Sanju Samson told Economic Times.

Rajasthan Royals (RR), with one match to go, would now have to depend on other teams for their best chance of qualifications, apart from winning their final encounter.

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We have a lot of match winners in the team: Samson

“You can’t do anything about what happened in the past. It is a tough tournament. You have to win at least seven-eight matches to qualify,” reckons Samson.

It is on Saturday which would host the Royal Derby and eventually decide the fate of the two teams regarding their places in the playoffs.

“But, it matters the most when it reaches the business end. It is the time when you have to step up and help your team win matches,” added Kerela’s premier batsman.

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In the 13 outings so far, Sanju Samson amassed as many as 391 runs to his name, with the best score of 92* against RCB. Samson averages 32.58 this season with a clean strike rate of 139.14.

“We have a lot of match winners in the team. A lot of guys were yet to perform, yet to win matches for the team. If you look at it, when it was four-five matches left and your heroes were yet to perform, that was a great chance,” concluded Samson.