Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
Sanju Samson’s brilliant 119 went in vain as Rajasthan Royals fall against the resilient Punjab Kings in their season opener. Although Samson won the Man of the Match award, many suggested his tactics at the end has what come to haunt him. Joining that particular list is former IPL player Rajat Bhatia. Punjab Kings batted first and imposed a huge total of 221/6 in their 20 overs.
Should have taken the single: Rajat Bhatia
In reply, Rajasthan Royals did not particularly get off to a good start and lost both their openers Ben Stokes and Manan Vohra early. However, Samson played a brilliant knock and took the game to the final ball. RR needed 5 in 2 balls when Samson hit the ball to long-off. However, Samson decided to not take a single and decided to go for the maximum on the last ball. Unfortunately, Samson didn't time the ball and got caught.
On talking to SportsTiger, former cricketer Rajat Bhatia opined that Sanju should have run that single as Chris Morris, who was at the other end, was more than capable of hitting a boundary. “I think Sanju Samson did a mistake by not taking a single off the second last delivery against Punjab”, said Bhatia.