IPL 2022: We wanted to express ourselves as batting unit – Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson stated they wanted to express themselves as a batting unit against Lucknow Super Giants at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.

RR posted a par score of 178 runs after Sanju Samson won the toss and decided to bat first.

In fact, RR didn’t get off to a great start as Jos Buttler was dismissed early by Avesh Khan. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal played an attacking knock as he scored 41 runs off 29 balls. Sanju Samson once again got off to a start but could not convert it into a substantial score as he was dismissed after scoring 32 runs.

Devdutt Padikkal was able to hit the ground running as he played a mesmerizing straight drive and timed the ball to perfection. The southpaw gave the impetus to RR in the middle overs as he scored a whirlwind knock of 39 runs off just 18 balls at a strike rate of 216.67. Trent Boult added the finishing touches with a fine cameo of 9-ball 17 to help his team post 178 runs on the board.

In fact, almost all the batters batted aggressively for Rajasthan Royals and thus they were able to get to a par score. On the other hand, Trent Boult provided two early breakthroughs to send back Quinton de Kock and Ayush Badoni. Prasidh Krishna then dismissed his Karnataka teammate KL Rahul to leave LSG reeling at 29-3.

Lucknow could only manage 154-8 in their 20 overs to lose by 24 runs. Thus, Rajasthan Royals have all but sealed their playoffs berth.

Sanju Samson said in the post-match presentation, “We have been making some good decisions. It is very hard to maintain a chilled-out atmosphere when things don’t go your way. Credit to the boys. You keep on losing here and there. We want to go out there and express ourselves as a batting unit. We have a quality bowling lineup to defend. Last game also, Ashwin did well. Sometimes you make decisions and look bad when you lose. We can control the intensity. Neesham brought some amazing energy onto the field. There is some bonus for having some quality spinners. We can use them any time. I know a lot of Tamil. I have friends and I watch a lot of Tamil movies. Each and everyone went out there and showed some intent despite playing a batter short. You can’t really think much in this format, you just go out and express.”

RR will look to continue their good show in their last game of the league stage, which they will play against defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.