Cricket

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has emerged as a strong contender for India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, according to his IPL coach Kumar Sangakkara. Samson's impressive performance in the ongoing IPL season has caught the attention of the Indian selectors, who included him in the 15-man squad for the June 1-29 tournament in the United States and the West Indies.Samson's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his consistent performances in the IPL. He is currently ranked third in the tournament's run-scoring charts with 471 runs in 11 games, behind only Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson's impressive form has been a key factor in Rajasthan Royals' success this season, as they currently sit second in the points table.While Rishabh Pant is also a strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman role in the Indian team, Samson's recent performances have put him in a strong position. In Rajasthan Royals' match against Pant's Delhi Capitals on Tuesday, Samson struck a blistering 86 off 46 balls, while Pant managed only 15 off 13 balls.Sangakkara believes that Samson has made a strong case for himself to be included in the Indian team's starting lineup for the World Cup. "It's really up to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and how they see the combination. But he (Samson) has made his case, so hopefully he'll have a good run in the World Cup," Sangakkara said.Samson's excellent form this season is a result of his improved clarity about his batting approach, according to Sangakkara. "With Sanju, the biggest thing about this season for him is having a lot of clarity about the way he should bat," Sangakkara said. "There are certain stages of the game that he seems to lose a bit of concentration, which we've addressed from past seasons."Sangakkara also praised Samson's dedication to his fitness and recovery. "He's changed his mindset about the importance of rest and recovery, rather than just training all the time and being tired mentally and physically. The rest is his exceptional ability," Sangakkara said.Samson, who has been on the fringes of the Indian team in recent years, has the potential to excel at the World Cup, according to Sangakkara. "He's a special player and when he's fresh and focused there's nothing he can't do," Sangakkara said. "He's a humble, grounded guy... not much on social media. He tends to like a lot of privacy, cares for the rest of the group."

Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson Fined for Code of Conduct ViolationDuring Rajasthan Royals' 20-run defeat to Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, captain Sanju Samson breached the IPL Code of Conduct, resulting in a fine of 30% of his match earnings.Samson's offense, which was not explicitly stated, is believed to have stemmed from a dispute with the umpires following his dismissal in the 16th over. The RR captain questioned the third umpire's decision to rule out a catch taken by Shai Hope near the boundary ropes.Samson's dissatisfaction was evident as he initially turned towards the pavilion but then stopped to engage in a discussion with the on-field umpires.The IPL issued a statement confirming Samson's Level 1 offense under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. The statement read, "Samson committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding."Article 2.8 of the IPL's Code of Conduct defines a Level 1 offense as "excessive, obvious disappointment with an Umpire's decision; an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; requesting a referral to the TV Umpire and arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision."This is not the first time Samson has been fined for a Code of Conduct violation. On April 10, he was fined Rs 12 lakh for RR's slow overrate in their match against the Gujarat Titans.Samson's fine serves as a reminder to players of the importance of adhering to the IPL's Code of Conduct. The code is in place to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the tournament.

Delhi Capitals (DC) emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a margin of 20 runs in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Despite a valiant 86-run knock from Sanju Samson, RR fell short of DC's formidable total of 221 for 8.DC's batting innings was spearheaded by Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel, who both notched up rapid half-centuries. Fraser-McGurk, known for his explosive batting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, dominated the new ball with a flurry of boundaries, reaching his fifty off just 19 deliveries. Porel, not to be outdone, maintained the momentum with a 28-ball half-century, keeping the boundaries flowing.RR's bowling attack, led by R Ashwin, managed to slow down DC's progress. Ashwin claimed three wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Fraser-McGurk. However, Tristan Stubbs provided a late surge for DC, ensuring they posted a challenging total.In response, RR's chase got off to a promising start with Samson leading the charge. The wicketkeeper-batter played a blistering knock, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes in his 46-ball innings. However, the DC bowlers, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, and Khaleel Ahmed, kept the pressure on RR.Kuldeep and Mukesh shared four wickets between them, while Ahmed chipped in with two. RR's middle order failed to provide substantial support to Samson, and they eventually fell 20 runs short of the target.DC's victory was a testament to their balanced performance, with both their batting and bowling units contributing to the success. RR, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their second consecutive defeat and will need to regroup quickly to stay in contention for the playoffs.

Sanju Samson's Controversial Dismissal Sparks Outrage in Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals ClashThe Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Tuesday witnessed a dramatic turn of events when Sanju Samson was controversially adjudged out at a crucial juncture. The decision, which ultimately cost RR the match, has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about umpiring standards in the tournament.The incident occurred in the 16th over of RR's chase when Samson smashed a Mukesh Kumar delivery to long-on. DC's Shai Hope claimed the catch at the boundary, but replays indicated that his foot may have touched the boundary cushion. Despite this, the third umpire ruled the catch clean, leaving Samson bewildered and frustrated.Samson, who was batting superbly on 86, protested the decision vehemently before eventually walking off the field in disappointment. The Royals' dugout was left stunned, while DC co-owner Parth Jindal was seen celebrating animatedly in the stands.Samson's dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match, as RR lost momentum and eventually fell short of the target. The decision has drawn widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and former players alike, who have questioned the accuracy of the third umpire's call.Throughout the IPL season, there have been numerous instances of questionable umpiring decisions, including incorrect wide calls, waist-high full-tosses being ruled as legal, and controversial run-outs. These incidents have raised concerns about the quality of umpiring in the tournament and have led to calls for improved standards.The Sanju Samson dismissal has once again highlighted the need for greater accuracy and consistency in umpiring. The IPL is one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments in the world, and it is essential that the umpires are held to the highest standards to ensure fair play and the integrity of the game.

Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), has revolutionized his T20 approach by embracing an aggressive mindset from the outset. He believes that every batsman must adopt this mentality for their team to thrive in the fast-paced format.Samson's transformation has earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20 World Cup. In IPL 2024, he has amassed 385 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 159.09, propelling RR to second place in the points table with 8 wins."It's a 20-over game," Samson emphasized. "Each over is crucial. You can't afford to wait to settle down or target specific bowlers. You have to go for boundaries from the start."Samson's philosophy aligns with the modern T20 game, where teams prioritize boundary-hitting and aggressive intent. He believes that every player must contribute to the team's dominance, eliminating the concept of individual scoring patterns."There's only one way to succeed in T20s," Samson asserted. "You have to dominate. If you don't, you're setting yourself up for failure. Everyone needs to contribute to the team's success."Samson's journey to international recognition has been a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. Despite making his T20I debut in 2015, he only earned his first ODI cap in 2021. However, his recent resurgence has solidified his position as a valuable asset to the Indian team.With the T20 World Cup approaching, Samson is eager to cement his place in the national side. His aggressive approach and proven ability to score runs at a rapid pace make him a formidable force in the shortest format of the game.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is reaching its climax, with every match becoming crucial in the race for the playoffs. One such pivotal clash is set to take place on Tuesday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will face the Delhi Capitals (DC).For RR, a victory would secure their spot in the playoffs, while DC will be desperate to keep their campaign alive. Adding to the intrigue is the subplot of the battle between the two captains, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson, who are both vying for the No. 1 wicketkeeper-batsman spot in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Both Pant and Samson have led their teams with aplomb. RR, under Samson's astute captaincy, has minimal weaknesses and sits second in the points table with four games remaining. Pant, on the other hand, has guided DC through a challenging season marked by injuries to key players.Statistically, there is little to separate the two captains. Samson has scored 385 runs at an average of 64.16 and a strike rate of 159.09, while Pant has amassed 398 runs at an average of 44.22 and a phenomenal strike rate of 158.56.The match will provide a glimpse into who has the upper hand heading into the World Cup. Pant has been in scintillating form, batting with a lionhearted spirit. Samson, too, has been impressive, leading RR with a calm and composed demeanor.In terms of team news, DC will welcome back Ishant Sharma, who has been declared fit. However, David Warner's availability remains uncertain. RR, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure their playoff berth.

Delhi Capitals' Rishabh Pant Recalls IPL 2017 Moment with Rajasthan Royals' Sanju SamsonDelhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has reminisced about a light-hearted moment with his former teammate Sanju Samson, who now leads the Rajasthan Royals. During an interaction on Jio Cinema, Pant shared an anecdote from the 2017 IPL season when Samson inquired about their game strategy while playing for the Delhi franchise against the Gujarat Lions, led by Suresh Raina.Pant revealed their on-field chemistry, saying, "We had a great chemistry together. Sanju came asked what would be the gameplan. I said, 'Maaro bhai, dono maarenge (Let's hit, brother; we'll both strike).'"Both Pant and Samson have been in impressive form in the ongoing IPL and have been selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The prospect of seeing them bat together for the national team is an exciting one for cricket fans.Looking ahead, the Delhi Capitals, under Pant's leadership, are set to face Samson's Rajasthan Royals in the 54th match of the IPL 2024 season in Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. This encounter is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure their positions in the league standings.Rajasthan Royals have slipped to the second spot on the points table after a recent victory by Kolkata Knight Riders over Lucknow Super Giants. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are placed sixth, having accumulated 10 points from 11 matches. Both teams are eager to improve their standings, and the upcoming match is expected to be a high-stakes battle.

Sanju Samson's IPL Journey: A Tale of Fate and DeterminationIndian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson's entry into the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a serendipitous event, shaped by a fabricated tale and the unwavering support of former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth.Samson, now the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, revealed in a viral video that Sreesanth's chance encounter with Rahul Dravid, then captain of the Royals, played a pivotal role in his IPL debut. While playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Samson struggled to break into the playing XI despite being part of the squad since 2009.During a match against the Royals, Sreesanth spotted Dravid in the hotel lobby and vouched for Samson, claiming that he had smashed six sixes in an over in a local tournament. Dravid, initially skeptical, was impressed by Samson's potential after watching him bat in practice games.Samson's IPL debut with the Royals in 2013 marked the beginning of a successful journey. He has since become a mainstay in the team and has led them to several victories. His resilience and determination have been instrumental in his rise from a promising talent to a respected leader in the IPL.Sreesanth's endorsement and Dravid's astute judgment played a crucial role in Samson's IPL journey. It highlights the unpredictable nature of professional cricket and the importance of recognizing talent when it presents itself. Samson's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and a bit of luck, anything is possible.

Sanju Samson's exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2024 has earned him a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad as the second wicket-keeping option. This selection has sparked discussions about his potential batting position in the team.Samson, who consistently bats at No. 3 for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, may have to adjust to a different role in the national team. Experts and fans speculate that he could bat at No. 5 due to the presence of established batters Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, who have occupied the No. 3 and No. 4 positions respectively.When asked about his preferred batting position, Samson emphasized the importance of team success over individual preferences. "Winning the IPL is more important," he stated. "The players should focus on that goal only."Samson's impressive form in the IPL has been a key factor in his World Cup selection. With 385 runs at a strike rate of 161.08, he has been a top performer for Rajasthan Royals. His contributions have helped the team secure 16 points from 9 matches, putting them on the verge of IPL playoff qualification.While Samson will compete with Rishabh Pant for the wicket-keeping role in the Indian team, his versatility allows him to be considered as a specialist batter as well. His ability to adapt to different positions and contribute effectively makes him a valuable asset to the team.Samson's inclusion in the World Cup squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His performances in the IPL have showcased his exceptional talent and potential. As the team prepares for the global tournament, Samson's versatility and adaptability will be crucial in India's quest for success.