14 April,2021 07:05 AM IST | Mumbai | PTI
Sanju Samson of Rajasthan Royals plays a shot during the Indian Premier League 2021 match between Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Pic/PTI
Sanju Samson's magnificent 119 on his captaincy debut for Rajasthan Royals came in a losing cause but he said the second part of his innings was the best he ever played.
Samson hit 12 fours and seven sixes in his astonishing 63-ball innings but in the end failed to send Arshdeep Singh's final ball for the maximum runs as RR lost the match by four runs.
"The second part of the innings was the best I ever played. In the first part, I was not timing it very well. I took my time, respected the bowlers, took singles and got into a rhythm and then I started to play my shots in the second half," he said at the post-match presentation.
"I enjoy my shots but I come back to the present after I play those shots. It automatically happens, when I focus on my skills and watch the ball and react. Sometimes I lose my wicket also, so I just play the same way."
He said it was about trusting his processes and being honest to his abilities. "I did that, and it came off tonight. The coin [at the toss] looked really nice so I pocketed it, asked the referee if I can have it, but he said no."
Samson also said he could not have done better than that though he rues failing to clear the ropes on the final ball.
"I don't have words to tell, very close game, came close but unfortunately. I don't think I could have done anything more. I timed it well, but unfortunately couldn't clear the man in the deep. It's all part of the game. We thought the wicket was getting better and we could chase the target down. Despite the loss, I think the team played really well."
Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul said he didn't stop believing in the team and knew that a couple of wickets will give his side the win.
"The game went deep only because me included, we dropped some sitters. We bowled well until about 11-12 overs. We're used to this, and it's not something new for us, but a win like this brings the team together."
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