TATA IPL 2024: Qualifier 2, Samson Aims for Freedom, Cummins Eyes Title Win
Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad are both eager to secure their spots in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final ahead of their Qualifier 2 match at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Rajasthan, led by Sanju Samson, ended their four-match losing streak in the Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad, keeping their tournament hopes alive. Meanwhile, despite their strong performance in the league stage, Hyderabad, led by Cummins, faltered in Qualifier 1 and lost to Kolkata Knight Riders.
Samson expressed his desire to avoid leadership pressure and to feel 'completely free' to contribute to the team ahead of the virtual semifinal clash. "I describe myself as a very evolving captain. I keep on changing; I keep on adapting to what's new. I keep on adapting to what my team's requirements are. I have captained RR for more than 50 games and now that gives me great experience and a great understanding of human behaviour and cricketing behaviour".
"How to manage different individuals and understanding the different situations of the game. The game is not won at the last ball of the game, it's won in different phases. Now, I just want to be real, wanting to be completely free as a captain and not worried about the cameras out there. I just want to be myself and feel for my teammates giving their bodies and everything to the team. I also feel I should not hold back and give everything back to the team as well", Samson said in a video post.
Australian paceman Cummins expressed his strong desire to clinch the IPL title for the enthusiastic franchise supporters. "Whatever team you're playing in, whether you're captain or player, there is always a huge expectation. We know how passionate the fans are; you turn up to the ground, and it's packaged out. So, it's nothing new; we're going to be trying our best. T20 is a hard format. You have some amazing wins; you also have some tough losses. Just know that we're trying our best and give it the best shot. Desperately want to win this thing for you guys", said Cummins. The winner of the Rajasthan vs. Hyderabad match will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL final at the same venue.
