IPL 2021: Sanju Samson backed himself - Kumar Sangakkara

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson en route his 119 against Punjab Kings on Monday. Pic/PTI

Rajasthan Royals' Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, praised skipper Sanju Samson's (119 off 63 balls, 12x4, 7x6) decision to refuse a run and retain the strike with five runs needed to win off the last ball against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

RR eventually lost by four runs as Samson was caught in the deep off the final delivery with the team finishing on 217-7, failing to chase Punjab Kings' 221-6.
"Sanju backed himself to get the job done and nearly did it. He was five or six yards short of hitting the last ball for a six and sometimes when you know you're hitting the ball well and you're in form and you believe that you can do it, you've got to take that responsibility. And it was really encouraging to see Sanju do that," Sangakkara said at the post-match virtual press conference on Monday night.

Kumar Sangakkara

Instead, Sangakkara felt that Riyan Parag's (11-ball 25) dismissal was one of the turning points of the match. Parag (25 off 11, 1x4, 3x6) was striking the ball well when a rising delivery from pacer Mohammad Shami saw him edge the ball to wicketkeeper KL Rahul, reducing RR to 175-5 in the 17th over.

In response to mid-day's query on Riyan's dismissal, Sangakkara said, "Riyan is a special player. He has amazing hand speed and great composure. Shami, with his
experience, took a risk bowling him a bumper and Riyan just got his bat to it. Risk and reward. That's the nature of the game. But I love watching Riyan play with that freedom.

"When you play with freedom sometimes wickets do fall. Riyan and Sanju had a wonderful partnership [52 off 23 balls] and got us into the game, with the batters trying to come in and finish it off. I'm really encouraged by the passion and commitment shown by all the younger players."