Sanju Samson becomes certified RR legend by equaling Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler's all-time record

Sanju Samson, the skipper of the Rajasthan Royals, scrored his 21st fifty for the franchise as he scored an unbeaten 82 propelling his side to a mammoth 193/4 in their 20 overs against LSG. 

The Royals’ choice of winning the toss and batting first paid dividends on the hard afternoon wicket of the Sawai Mansingh stadium. The ball came fast at the batters and traveled at a faster pace. Samson hit three fours and six sixes in his 52-ball knock. He added a 93-run stand with Riyan Parag who, scored 43 off 29 balls himself. Dhruv Jurel’s cameos off 20 off 12 balls took the Royals to a competitive total. 

Samson’s knock in the very first game for the Royals strengthens his case for his national return especially with the T20 World Cup coming up. Another crucial thing that will be monitored will be his captaincy for the Royals and his wicketkeeping skills. 

Playing at their home ground, the Rajasthan Royals are now in a very good position to win the match having posted a big total. However, the venue is known to be a chasing ground and the opposition has a few good batters led by KL Rahul. 

Sanju Samson, meanwhile got to his 23rd fifty-plus score for the Rajasthan Royals and equalled names like Jos Buttler and Ajinkya Rahane. Both Buttler and Rahane have been prolific run-getters for the Royals. However, in today’s match, the England keeper-batsman scored just 11 off nine balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a quickfire 24 off 12 balls but perished. 

Sanju Samson Joins Elite List For Rajasthan Royals

Most 50+ scores for Royals in all T20s:

23 J Buttler (71 innings)

23 A Rahane (99)

23* S Samson (127)

16 S Watson (81)

Also Read: After Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir reverses international retirement; available for T20 World Cup 2024

Riyan Parag after a good run of form in the domestic season flourished in the very first game with 43 off 29 balls. His hitting was clean as he scored at a strike rate of 150. He has started the first match on a good note and would want to continue his rich vein of form for the rest of the season. 

“The main goal was to take the game deep, the wicket was staying very low and was assisting the spinners. My mindset was simple, the way I play my domestic game, I just practiced well in the last 10 days and implemented it on the ground today. Sanga was pretty clear, I had a chat with him, Sanju bhaiya and the management, I wanted that clarity, I had played at 4 in the domestic season” he said in the mid-innings break. 

Lucknow Super Giants made back-to-back playoffs in IPL 2022 and 2023, The Royals, on the other hand, finished fifth after making the finals in IPL 2022. The two teams played just one game last year which was won by LSG. Overall, in three games Royals lead the head-to-head count 2-1.

At the toss, Samson won it and opted to bat first. He also shared his emotions about coming back to Jaipur for IPL 2024. They play four games in the first phase and three of them at home. 

 “We would like to bat first today. Looks like a good batting wicket, we were ok to do both, but we’ve a different combination today. Coming back to Jaipur gives positive vibes in the dressing room. Riyan Parag will be our number 4, Jos, Hetty, Boult are there – Powell could come in as an impact player” said Samson at the toss.

Also Read: Watch: ‘Keeper’ KL Rahul takes a brilliant low catch to remove Jos Buttler in IPL 2024