Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings, the fourth match of the IPL 2021, had a lot of sensational events. PBKS won the nail-biting thrilling match by four runs. Sanju Samson, the PBKS skipper, won the toss and decided to bowl first. Rahul played a captain’s innings and turned in absolutely lethal form as he smashed 91 runs off 50 deliveries from his end.
Sanju Samson, however outshined everyone as he played exceptionally well and made 119 runs off just 63 balls that included 12 fours and seven sixes. While he kept the game alive till the very end, lack of supports from the other team made them lose the grip of the game. Arshdeep Singh picked three wickets including Sanju Samson’s, as in the last ball he tried to take a hit for a six, but unfortunately failed and lost.
After the match, winning skipper KL Rahul said,
” I didn’t stop believing in the team, and we knew a couple of wickets will bring us back. 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. We batted really well and bowled well in patches. We weren’t consistent with the lengths but the bowlers will learn. A lot of talented, skill ful players, and it’s important that we back them. It was an amazing innings from Hooda, and that’s the kind of fearless batting we want to see in the IPL. We have been tentative sometimes, and it’s important for us to play fearlessly at times, so I am happy that the expectations are being understood and met. Gayle and Hooda were both good that way. I always go to Arshdeep for crucial overs and he enjoys the pressure. He loves being in the contest and I love throwing him the ball, and he trusts himself and trusts his skills, so that’s always good to see.”
Losing skipper, Sanju Samson in the post match interview said,
Read More
“I don’t have words to tell, very close game, came close but unfortunately.. I don’t think I could have done anything more, timed it well, but unfortunately couldn’t clear the man in the deep. It’s all part of the game (when asked about the bowlers going for plenty from both sides), we thought the wicket was getting better and we could chase the target down. Despite the loss, I think the team played really well.’
Regarded as the player of the match, Sanju said,
“I think the second part of the innings was the best I ever played, took my time and respected the bowlers. I took the singles and got into a rhythm to play my shots. 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. It’s about trusting my processes to be honest, and I did that, and it came off tonight. The coin looked really nice so I pocketed it, asked the referee if I can have it, but he said no.
”
