'Important to learn, come back stronger in next game' - Sanju Samson details RR's loss against GT

The 24^th match of IPL 2022 saw action between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals where the new franchise emerged victorious by 37 runs in Navi Mumbai. Titans batted first, and on the back of excellent hitting by their skipper Hardik Pandya (87* off 52), posted 192 runs on the board. Royals couldn’t chase the massive score with only Jos Buttler shining in the squad with a half-century and Sanju Samson feels that the loss is important for them to return stronger.

Samson, who walked back to the pavilion with just 11 runs under his kitty, added that they would return stronger in the next game. Talking of RR, after Buttler’s wicket, nothing worked for them as batters came and walked away in no time. Another handy contribution that came down the order was that of Shimron Hetmyer (29 off 17) but wasn’t big enough in front of the target.

“Very important to learn and come back stronger in the next game. I was doing number three continuously till last season. So, we decided to have that flexibility, come down at number four or five or wherever the team needs me. Having someone like R Ashwin allows us to do that, Devdutt Padikkal batted three in the first three games. So, it all depends on the combination we are playing,” said Samson during the post-match presentation.

We missed Boult’s experience in the powerplay: Sanju Samson

Samson further lauded the batting display of the opposite side which was led by their skipper only. It is to be noted that apart from shining with the bat, Pandya bowled economical 2.3 overs while conceding at 7.20 and picking a wicket. He was also brilliant on the field during the game. The RR skipper talked of missing Trent Boult’s experience in their powerplay.

“I would like to give credit to their batsmen. Hardik played well and Miller finished off well. If we would have had wickets in hand, this was chaseable. We were there for the run rate and it was a matter of a few wickets. We had the power and potential. It was a freaky niggle and we missed Boult’s experience in the powerplay. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon. Hardik had a great day today,” Samson added.