Sanju Samson made another fiery start to his IPL campaign with a combative 82 not out as Rajasthan Royals posted a competitive 193 for four against Lucknow Super Giants in their season opener on Sunday. Royals skipper Samson hit half a dozen sixes along with three fours in his 52-ball knock, which was packed with spectacular hits in all parts of the ground. His knock provided both momentum and stability for Rajasthan Royals after double blows in the Powerplay. With Riyan Parag (43, 29 balls, 1 four, 3 sixes) also playing his role well by forging an association of 93 runs for the third wicket to consolidate for their side, the Royals batting came well in their opening game.
Sanju Samson in the first match of IPL since 2020:
2020: 74(32)
2021: 119(63)
2022: 55(27)
2023: 55(32)
2024: 82*(52)The captain, who sets a good example.pic.twitter.com/BRcWNbCjoa
– Johannes. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 24, 2024
If Samson appeared in his usual element, playing strokes that made him a convincing watch, Parag looked calm in his approach and took every opportunity that came his way.
The most underrated player in India and he should be given a good chance in the Indian team.
— Faisal Jahangeer (@FaisalJahange15) March 24, 2024
A little tentative to start with, Parag’s first big hit came in the ninth over when he hit Yash Thakur at mid-on for the first six of the over, while Samson hit two more off the last two balls to collect 21 from them.
Sanju, incredibly talented individual with remarkable skills and dedication
— Just my thoughts (@NoContextLifeX) March 24, 2024
Parag was also given a lifeline on 29 when a mishap off Ravi Bishnoi shot into the air, but Mohsin Khan failed to get the ball despite having enough time to get underneath and position himself.
Parag’s innings ended in the 15th over when the right-handed batsman, having already hit Naveen-ul-Haq for a four and six, went for a pull shot but skipped it to the substitute (Deepak Hooda) at deep square leg .
While Shimron Hetmyer (5) couldn’t give the scorers much trouble, Dhruv Jurel made a quick 12-ball 20 not out with a six and a four each.
However, none of that would have happened had Krunal Pandya (4-0-19-0) not collided with non-striker Samson, trying to hold on to a soft return catch from Parag.
Earlier at the start, Yashasvi Jaiswal hit a couple of attractive fours to make his intentions clear by leading a fight for the Royals who lost Jos Buttler in the second over.
The England wicketkeeper-batsman hit two fours early on, but he was outdone by Naveen-ul-Haq (2/41), who teased Buttler (11 off 9 balls) with a fuller one to drive, on which he got an outside edge . .
KL Rahul was behind the wickets, despite other wicketkeepers in Quinton de Kock and Nicholas Pooran in the side, and neatly took a heavy diving catch.
On a delivery that appeared to be a little slower early on, Mohsin (1/45) did well to surprise Jaiswal with a quick short ball that seemed to draw the left-handed batsman, but played tamely to middle for a 12- ball 24 studded with three fours and a six.
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