IPL 2021: Sanju Samson says second part of his innings was the best he's ever played

Sanju Samson scored a magnificent 119 on his captaincy debut for Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2021 on Monday.

Sanju Samson plays a shot. (Image: BCCI/IPL)
By Shayne Dias | Apr 13, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Sanju Samson scored a magnificent 119 on his captaincy debut for Rajasthan Royals. However, the knock came in a losing cause. That being said, Samson believes the second part of his innings was the best he ever played. Samson hit 12 fours and 7 sixes in his 63-ball innings. However, needing 5 to win off the last ball, he couldn’t hit Arshdeep Singh’s final ball for a maximum. Therefore, RR lost the match to Punjab Kings by four runs.

“The second part of the innings was the best I ever played. In the first part, I was not timing it very well. I took my time, respected the bowlers, took singles and got into a rhythm and then I started to play my shots in the second half,” Sanju Samson said at the post-match presentation.

“I enjoy my shots but I come back to the present after I play those shots. It automatically happens, when I focus on my skills and watch the ball and react. Sometimes I lose my wicket also, so I just play the same way.”

‘Played well despite loss’

He said it was about trusting the way he played and being honest to his abilities.

“I did that, and it came off tonight. The coin (at the toss) looked really nice so I pocketed it, asked the referee if I can have it, but he said no.”

Samson also said he could not have done better than that, although he rues failing to clear the ropes on the final ball.

“I don’t have words to tell, very close game, came close but unfortunately, don’t think I could have done anything more.

“I timed it well, but unfortunately couldn’t clear the man in the deep. It’s all part of the game. We thought the wicket was getting better and we could chase the target down. Despite the loss, I think the team played really well.”