Despite the controversial dismissal of Sanju Samson in the 16th over, Rajasthan Royals' (RR) Director of Cricket and head coach Kumar Sangakkara believes they had a chance to chase down the 222-run target against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2024 match on May 7. He hinted at some disagreement with the dismissal but indicated they would address it internally. The Royals' chase faltered after Samson's departure after scoring a gutsy 86 off 46. RR were comfortably placed at 162/3 but collapsed to 201/8 in the remaining overs, ultimately losing by 20 runs. Samson attempted a big shot over long-on but fell short of clearing the boundary. Shai Hope, the fielder stationed there, made a sensational leaping grab right at the edge of the rope to secure the dismissal.
Kumar Sangakkara has his say on Sanju Samson's contentious dismissal
“It depends on replays and angles. Sometimes, you think the foot has touched. It was a difficult one for the third umpire to judge; the game was at a crucial stage, but it happened. We have different perspectives, but at the end of the day, you have to stand by the decision the third umpire has made, even if we have a different opinion on it. Of course, we will share it with the umpires, but I thought, irrespective of that, we should've seen the game home. Delhi played well,” Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference.
“Just asking what the procedure was and whether there was any doubt. The on-field umpire will have to go by what the TV umpire says. Players have to abide by it, and there are means of conveying your opinion through direct conversation or the umpire's report. We follow protocol; there is a lot of pressure on players and umpires. We try to sort it in the best way we can,” he added.
Sanju Samson's dismissal derailed RR's chase
Rajasthan Royals faced a daunting task in Delhi – chasing down a massive 222 runs for victory. Their captain, Sanju Samson, emerged as their lone warrior. Stepping onto the field after the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson launched into an aggressive knock, piling on 40 runs during the powerplay.
Unfortunately, the top order offered little support. While batsmen around him managed cameos before falling, Samson kept the fight alive, reaching a quick fifty and pushing towards a century. With five overs remaining, the Royals were 63 runs away from securing a playoff spot, thanks largely to Samson's heroics. However, disaster struck when he mishit a slot ball straight towards long-off.
ALSO READ: Sanju Samson breaks MS Dhoni's colossal record, becomes fastest Indian to 200 sixes in IPL history
Shai Hope, stationed in the deep, judged the overhead grab well, but the drama wasn't over. Replays showed Hope's feet precariously close to the boundary rope, sparking suspicion of a possible touch. The jubilant DC celebrations were quickly dampened as the decision went to the TV umpire. Despite scrutinising the catch from several angles, conclusive evidence remained elusive. The final verdict deemed it a clean catch.
Samson was far from convinced. He vehemently argued with the umpires, visibly frustrated. The Royals dugout mirrored his emotions. Director Kumar Sangakkara and the rest of the team watched the replay in disbelief. Samson stormed off to the pavilion, while DC co-owner Parth Jindal, on the other hand, roared his approval of the decision from the stands.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Yuzvendra Chahal becomes first Indian bowler in T20 cricket to achieve this feat
India-origin player set to return to Hobart Hurricanes after rape allegation exoneration
