IPL 2020: ‘I think Samson is the strongest man in the world’ – Sanju Samson on his ability to hit sixes

IPL 2020: ‘I think Samson is the strongest man in the world’ – Sanju Samson on his ability to hit sixes

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) yesterday in the Indian Premier League following a mammoth chase of 196. Ben Stokes struck an explosive hundred and was ably supported by Sanju Samson. Samson scored a half-century to support Stokes and take his side home.

Samson has had a mixed IPL in the UAE. He started off on a terrific note as he struck match-winning knocks in his side’s first two matches against Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab. However, the runs dried up afterward as Samson got out cheaply match after match despite showing glimpses of his six-hitting ability.

He roared back to form yesterday with a superb supporting act in a crucial win for the Royals. His knock of 54 runs off 31 balls along with Stokes’ gargantuan one meant RR stayed alive in the tournament.

‘I kept on believing in myself’ – Samson

Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson during their match-winning partnership

Following his excellent knock, Samson was interviewed at the post-match presentation and the batsman talked about how he kept his belief in his abilities. “I kept on believing in myself. When you play 14 games, you’ll have to go through ups and downs. I worked a bit on my game plan. In bigger grounds, on different wickets, you need to take more time, play more cricketing shots, that was the difference I did today. It was amazing (batting with Stokes). We have spent a good time out in the middle in the last three games, this was the best time with him, really enjoyed it,” he said.

“I was not looking at how many runs do we want or what the run-rate was. I was just reacting to the ball, my game plan is very simple, I just watch the ball and hit it if it is there. If not, I take singles and doubles. I just kept it simple and finished it off, have seen some funny games in the past in IPL where matches have gone here and there. Wanted to be there till the end and luckily we did that today for the team,” he added when asked as to how he approached his knock.

“I did give myself some time but at the same time I was looking for boundaries, I was trying few hits against Chahar but couldn’t. The intent was there, I took 5-6 balls to get in and then started showing intent. No method (to hit sixes), just watch the ball and hit it. Reminding myself what my name is, I think Samson is the strongest man in the world, I keep remembering that. I am very strong and I can hit more sixes,” he signed off.

RR play Kings XI Punjab next at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 30.

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