TATA IPL 2024: Samson, 'Pitch Didn't Slow as Expected in Loss to CSK'
Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, expressed that they were about 20-24 runs shy of the target they had anticipated setting against Chennai Super Kings in Match 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He noted that the Chennai Super Kings seemed more adept at handling the conditions at their home ground. Samson mentioned that the pitch had less bounce than they had initially anticipated, and despite their best efforts, his team struggled to adapt to the conditions.
Chennai Super Kings secured a five-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals, putting them on the brink of qualifying for the Playoffs with only one match left. Following an impressive bowling display that limited the Rajasthan Royals to 141/5 in 20 overs, Ruturaj Gaikwad showcased exemplary leadership with an unbeaten knock of 42 runs. The young opener displayed resilience against a formidable bowling attack, guiding his team to a convincing win.
"I think after the Power-play, the message was the wicket was slow and two-paced. The bounce was also not as much as we expected. When I was batting in the middle, the score I was expecting was around 170. We were 20-25 runs short. We tried our best, they knew the conditions and they bowled smartly", said Samson at the post-match presentation ceremony.
He admitted that Chennai Super Kings bowler Simarjeet Singh bowled well. "Simarjeet bowled well today. We are not very sure what to expect in away games. Looking at the venue, we thought batting first might be better. I think when you have a score to chase, on these wickets, they had a better idea and a better hand in this", he said.
Samson, who achieved a milestone by captaining Rajasthan Royals in their 57th match, surpassing Shane Warne's record, remarked that the pitch in the second innings didn't slow down as much as they had anticipated.
"We expected it to be slower in the second innings, but it was a touch better. When you play here in night games, it is a no-brainer (to chase) with all the dew coming in. The summer is getting hotter in India and as the wicket heats up, I was expecting it to slow down. They also batted really well. The way the game went to the 18th over, the wicket was tough to bat on", he added.
Samson said the race for qualifying spots in the Playoffs was top-most of their minds. "Very normal to keep thinking about the qualification at this stage. The conversations we are having are to control what we can do. At the team brief, I will probably ask them to continue the process and hope to get on the better side next game", he said. Currently positioned 2nd with 16 points in the table, Rajasthan Royals have secured eight victories out of 12 matches. After enduring defeats in three consecutive matches, they now have two remaining games in hand.
