Cricket

Sanju Samson's Dhoni-esque Run-Out Stuns Liam Livingstone in IPL ClashIn a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, Rajasthan's wicket-keeper Sanju Samson showcased his exceptional glove-work, reminiscent of legendary MS Dhoni, to dismiss power-hitter Liam Livingstone in a stunning run-out.The incident occurred in the 18th over, with Livingstone and Ashutosh Sharma attempting a risky second run. Sharma's flat throw from deep mid-wicket was not precise, but Samson displayed remarkable agility to collect it low to his left.With lightning-fast reflexes, Samson flicked the ball onto the stumps while rolling onto the ground in the throw's followthrough. The tag team between Samson and Tanush Kotian proved decisive, as Livingstone fell short of his crease upon return.Samson's incredible effort drew comparisons to the legendary MS Dhoni, known for his lightning-fast stumpings. The dismissal was a crucial moment in the match, as Livingstone had been a dangerous presence at the crease.The Royals' all-round bowling performance restricted Punjab to a modest 147 for 8 in Mullanpur. Keshav Maharaj and Avesh Khan claimed two wickets each, while Trent Boult, Kuldeep Sen, and Yuzi Chahal chipped in with one wicket apiece.For Punjab, Ashutosh (31) and Jitesh Sharma (29) were the top scorers. However, Samson's brilliance behind the stumps proved to be the game-changer, as the Royals secured a crucial victory.

Ian Bishop, the renowned West Indian cricket commentator, has recently found himself at the center of a social media controversy. A user on Twitter claimed that Bishop had compared Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant to Rajasthan Royals counterpart Sanju Samson, stating that Pant was a superior wicketkeeper.However, Bishop swiftly denied making such comments, responding to the user with a question: "You really think that's how I operate?" This is not the first time Bishop has had to clarify his stance on social media.Earlier in the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Bishop faced criticism for praising Virat Kohli's slow knock against Rajasthan Royals. Kohli had taken 39 balls to reach his half-century and 67 balls to reach triple figures, the joint slowest in IPL history.A fan expressed disappointment with Bishop's comments, stating that he had expected more from the commentator. Bishop apologized for his choice of words, acknowledging that his language needed to be more accurate in keeping with the format of the game.Despite the controversies, Bishop remains one of the most respected cricket commentators in the world. His insights and analysis are highly valued by fans and experts alike.Bishop's ability to provide balanced and informed commentary has earned him a reputation for fairness and objectivity. He is known for his ability to articulate complex cricketing concepts in a clear and concise manner.Bishop's contributions to the sport of cricket extend beyond commentary. He has also served as a mentor and coach to young cricketers, helping them develop their skills and knowledge of the game.

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked discussions regarding the Indian cricket team's wicket-keeping options. While KL Rahul is expected to secure a spot, the second choice remains a subject of debate.Legendary Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has expressed his preference for Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as the top contenders. "I expect Rishabh Pant to be there definitely. And I would take Sanju Samson as well," Gilchrist stated.Pant has recently showcased his abilities with a blistering 24-ball-41 for Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024. Since his return from a near-fatal accident in 2022, Pant has displayed encouraging form, amassing 194 runs in six matches with an impressive economy rate of 157.72.Sanju Samson, on the other hand, has been in exceptional form for Rajasthan Royals, scoring 246 runs in six matches, including three half-centuries. Ishan Kishan, Mumbai Indians' highest run-scorer, has also made a strong case for himself with 161 runs at a strike rate of 182.95.However, Jitesh Sharma, despite impressing in the past year, has not had ample opportunities to showcase his batting skills. His limited chances have resulted in a modest 77 runs in five matches, with a strike rate of 135.08.Gilchrist's endorsement of Pant and Samson stems from their proven track records and current form. Pant's aggressive batting style and Samson's consistency make them ideal candidates for the T20 format.The Indian team management faces a crucial decision in selecting the second wicket-keeper for the World Cup squad. Pant's experience and recent performances give him an edge, while Samson's exceptional form and versatility make him a compelling choice. Kishan's impressive strike rate and ability to open the innings also warrant consideration.Ultimately, the decision will depend on the team's specific needs and the players' performances in the lead-up to the tournament. With the World Cup just around the corner, the race for the second wicket-keeper spot is heating up, and the Indian team management will have to make a strategic choice to bolster their chances of success.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) spinner Keshav Maharaj has attributed the team's impressive start to the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season to the positive atmosphere within the squad, where inputs from not only captain Sanju Samson but also other experienced players are being valued.Maharaj, who has played a key role in RR's four wins out of five matches so far, highlighted the significant contributions of Jos Buttler in providing valuable advice to the bowlers. "Jos, he's captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament," said Maharaj.The South African spinner emphasized the importance of having leaders within the team who are willing to share their expertise. "Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it's always good in a cricket team whether you're young or old, if you have good advice, there's nothing wrong with passing on the information," he said.Maharaj believes that the team's success stems from the collective effort of all players, regardless of their experience or seniority. "I think you always want leaders within the team. Obviously, Sanju bhai is the leader of the team and he entrusts certain people. And I think it's always good in a cricket team whether you're young or old, if you have good advice, there's nothing wrong with passing on the information," he explained.The positive team environment has fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust among the players, which has translated into on-field success. "Obviously, Jos, he's captained his country in World Cups. So, I think bouncing off his knowledge and helping the bowlers has really shown in this tournament. I mean, winning four out of five games is a good start to the tournament. And I think the bowlers like having him at a mid off and mid on, just so that they can lean on him when they need advice," said Maharaj.As RR prepares to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next match, Maharaj is confident that the team's positive momentum will continue. "I think we've got a good team. We've got a lot of experience. We've got a lot of youth. And I think the combination of the two is really working well for us," he said.

Former Australia cricketer Tom Moody has raised concerns over Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson's captaincy decisions during their defeat to Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2024. RR suffered their first loss of the season on Wednesday after four consecutive wins.Moody questioned Samson's decision to underutilize pacer Trent Boult, who bowled only two overs and conceded eight runs in his first spell. However, Samson opted to bowl veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin at the death instead of completing Boult's quota of overs."You had to use Trent Boult at the back end. He's certainly been used at the death before, and he's got a huge amount of experience. So when it comes to pressure, he's used to absorbing that pressure and taking on those challenges. So I was really surprised that he wasn't spent today. He left the park with two overs left in the bank, which doesn't make any sense whatsoever," Moody said on ESPNcricinfo.Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta also echoed Moody's sentiments, questioning Samson's decision to use Ashwin over Boult in the 17th over. "I can understand Ashwin bowling the 15th over, but the 17th? If you look at the bowling unit, Boult is the most experienced fast bowler there. Irrespective of whether it's his strength or not, you're still going to bowl him at the back-end. If he's got overs left, you've got to bowl him," Dasgupta said.Former India opener Aakash Chopra also criticized Samson's decision, stating that Boult should have been utilized in the middle overs. "If you are bowling with a dry ball, then if you have scored enough runs, you should have the bowling to defend it. The truth is that Rajasthan have the bowling. They didn't play Nandre Burger, but despite that, they have the bowling. Keshav Maharaj made his debut, and they got him to bowl only two overs," Chopra said."Why did Trent Boult bowl only two overs? I didn't understand that. Two overs, eight runs, and he bowled only two overs. Why? Keshav gave 16 runs in his two overs, so totally only 24 runs went in those four overs. Trent Boult could have been given overs in the middle, but you didn't do that. You went towards spinners," he added.Despite the defeat, RR remain atop the table after five games. They will next face Punjab Kings on Saturday.

Rajasthan Royals Skipper Sanju Samson Fined Rs 12 Lakh for Slow Over RateRajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has been penalized with a hefty fine of Rs 12 lakh for his team's sluggish over rate during their thrilling encounter against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday. The Titans, led by Shubman Gill, emerged victorious in a nail-biting last-ball finish, snapping the Royals' four-match winning streak.According to an official IPL statement, Samson was fined as it was his team's first offense of the season under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offenses. The statement emphasized that teams must adhere to the required over rate standards to ensure smooth and timely completion of matches.In the match, Samson played a valiant unbeaten knock of 68 off 38 deliveries, while Riyan Parag's blistering 78 helped the Royals post a formidable total of 196 for 3. However, the Gujarat Titans, propelled by Gill's fine 72 and Rashid Khan's crucial cameo innings of 24 off 11 deliveries, successfully chased down the target on the final delivery of the match.The fine serves as a reminder to all IPL teams to maintain the required over rate standards. The IPL's regulations aim to ensure that matches are completed within the stipulated time frame, providing a fair and consistent playing field for all teams.

Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans faced a setback on Wednesday as they succumbed to a 196-run target set by Rajasthan Royals. The Titans' bowlers struggled to contain the Royals' batsmen, particularly Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, who played aggressive innings to propel their team to a formidable total.Gill's frustration was evident during the 17th over when umpire Vinod Seshan ruled a delivery from Mohit Sharma as a wide. Gill, who had initially challenged the decision through DRS, was visibly upset with the outcome. The third umpire initially deemed the delivery fair but later reversed the decision, leaving Gill visibly frustrated.Despite the setback, Gill has shown growth as a leader. His animated discussion with the umpire demonstrated his passion and determination to improve.The Royals' innings was characterized by the brilliance of Samson and Parag. Samson, who remained unbeaten on 68 off 38 deliveries, played a crucial role in setting the platform for his team's victory. Parag, batting at number four, continued his impressive form with a blistering 76 off 48 balls, including five sixes.The Titans' fielding also proved to be a liability, with Matthew Wade dropping Parag twice. These missed opportunities allowed Parag to capitalize and inflict further damage on the Titans.The Royals' victory was a testament to the team's aggressive approach and the brilliance of Samson and Parag. The Titans, on the other hand, will need to address their bowling and fielding concerns if they hope to improve their performance in the tournament.

Riyan Parag's blistering knock of 43 runs off 29 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The all-rounder revealed that he developed new shots while batting alongside skipper Sanju Samson, who guided him to play cautiously on a challenging wicket.Parag's innings was a display of power and precision, with three towering sixes and a boundary. He credited Samson for advising him to avoid risky shots, recognizing the tricky conditions. "Today, when batting with Sanju bhaiya, I had developed a few shots and I was constantly trying to poke him by asking 'Sanju bhaiya, let me hit one'," Parag said. "But he was like 'no, no, today's wicket isn't that easy.'"Parag acknowledged that he would have attempted more aggressive shots if Samson had not been present. "If I didn't have him there, I would have tried to play that shot, it may or may not have come off," he admitted. "But then that element of risk goes down and you prolong your innings and get your team to a better score."RR's innings was anchored by Samson's unbeaten 82 off 52 balls, which included six sixes. The duo shared a 93-run partnership, setting the platform for a competitive total of 193/4.LSG's chase got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 11 runs. Deepak Hooda and KL Rahul steadied the innings, but their dismissals left LSG in a precarious position. Nicholas Pooran's 64 off 41 balls kept LSG in the hunt, but RR's bowlers struck at crucial moments to secure the victory.Trent Boult was the standout bowler for RR, claiming 2/35. Sandeep, Ashwin, Nandre Burger, and Yuzvendra Chahal also chipped in with wickets. Samson was named 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning half-century.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) kicked off their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign with a hard-fought 20-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Jaipur. Led by Sanju Samson's unbeaten 82 off 52 balls, RR posted an imposing 193 for 4.LSG's chase got off to a disastrous start as Trent Boult and Nandre Burger reduced them to 11 for 3 within the first four overs. However, KL Rahul (58) and Nicholas Pooran (64*) put up a valiant fight with an 85-run partnership.Sandeep Sharma's crucial spell of death bowling, which included limiting Pooran to just two boundaries in the penultimate over, proved decisive. Avesh Khan then closed out the contest with ease, leaving LSG with too much to do.Samson's innings was the cornerstone of RR's total. He shared a 93-run stand with Riyan Parag (43), who also played a key role in the team's recovery from a slow start.LSG's spinners, particularly Krunal Pandya, found some purchase on the dry surface. However, Samson and Parag stepped up their intensity after the strategic time-out, hitting three sixes in a 21-run over.Boult's early wickets set the tone for LSG's batting collapse. He dismissed Quinton de Kock and Devdutt Padikkal in quick succession, while Burger accounted for Ayush Badoni.Despite Rahul and Pooran's efforts, LSG ultimately fell short of the target, handing RR a valuable victory in their opening match.