Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson lauded his team’s unwavering belief and Shimron Hetmyer’s match-winning knock for securing a dramatic three-wicket victory against the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 encounter on Saturday. This win further solidifies the Royals’ position at the top of the points table.
Royals Maintain Top Spot After Tense Chase
Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, the Royals’ chase had its fair share of hiccups. Despite a cautious start from their openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and debutant Tanush Kotian, who managed only 43 runs in the powerplay, the Royals found themselves in a tense situation as wickets began to fall. However, Samson remained optimistic throughout the chase, highlighting the importance of belief in securing victory.
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things,” said Samson after the match. “It’s funny that we kept believing that we could win this. But somewhere we had the fight left, we knew we had special bowlers bowling for us and we kept those overs of Mustafizur and Tyagi for the end.”
Strategic Decisions and Hetmyer’s Heroics Deliver Victory
Samson also shed light on the strategic decision to send Tanush Kotian, primarily a lower-order batsman, as an opener. With Jos Buttler unavailable, the Royals aimed to maintain stability in the batting lineup. Samson acknowledged Tanush’s impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he scored a century, as a key factor in this decision.
“Tanush had a fabulous Ranji Trophy. He’s been impressing everyone. We didn’t want to unsettle the batting order,” explained Samson.
While the strategy yielded mixed results with Tanush scoring 24 runs off 31 deliveries, it was Shimron Hetmyer’s late heroics that ultimately sealed the win for the Royals. Hetmyer’s blistering knock of 27 runs off just 10 balls in the death overs proved to be the match-winner, showcasing his experience and composure under pressure.
“He has been doing it for years and years, experience and composure,” said Samson, commending Hetmyer’s performance. “Rovman and Hetty – having them was good.”
Royals Acknowledge Punjab’s Bowling Prowess
Despite securing victory, Samson acknowledged the tight contest and the quality bowling displayed by the Punjab Kings bowlers. He admitted to the tension within the Royals camp during the chase, highlighting the team’s history of close encounters with the Kings.
“We all were tensed during the run-chase,” he revealed. “Against Punjab in the last 3-4 years, each and every game is very close. They bowled really well, it was a funny game.”
Looking Ahead: Encouraging Signs for Young Jaiswal
Samson also praised the contribution of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a valuable 39 runs. Jaiswal’s knock provided a solid foundation for the chase, and Samson expressed his delight at seeing the youngster find form.
“Very happy to see him get those 30s and 40s,” remarked Samson.
With this win, the Rajasthan Royals maintain their position at the top of the IPL 2024 points table. Their unwavering belief, strategic decisions, and exceptional performances from players like Hetmyer and Jaiswal have been key factors in their success so far this season.
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