IPL 2022 | Wicket got better to bat on during the second innings: Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals (RR) posted a massive 189-run target against the Gujarat Titians (GT) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 last evening after being asked to bat first at Eden Gardens. However, this total was quite comfortably chased down by Gujarat skipper Hardik Pandya and David Miller, much to everyone's surprise.

After his side's seven-wicket loss, Sanju Samson revealed that the track got better to bat on in the second part of the match, whereas his batters found it sticky and two-paced. Speaking to official broadcasters, Samson said, "(It) felt good to put up that kind of total as I felt the wicket was a bit sticky and there was a lot of swing in the powerplay. I think we managed to put in a good score, but I think they played really well to chase the score down,"

"It (Pitch) was a bit two-paced, and bounce was also not even. So I just went after the bowling from ball one, and I got a bit lucky to get a few runs in the powerplay, but the wicket was a bit tough to bat on, and we finished off really well. Scoring that kind of a total on this wicket in these conditions against that bowling attack was a great performance by our batters."

For Rajasthan, Jos Buttler top-scored with an 89, while Samson contributed a swift 47. He also defended the decision to play just five specialist bowlers in such a crucial match.

"We have been doing really well, the five bowlers have been our main bowlers, and they have done really well throughout the tournament. Having Riyan (Parag) also helps, but felt it was a bit better to bat in the second innings as it came on nicely onto the bat," the Kerala-born stated.

Samson has not had the best of times with the toss, losing 13 of the 15 coin flips this season. However, he did say that luck also plays a part in such a tournament.

"We have been playing some really good cricket throughout the tournament, couple of overs here and there, couple of extra runs, couple of off-rhythm by a couple of our bowlers, we will try to come back and play some good cricket. In this format, luck plays a huge role, so it all comes down to what you want to do in your control. Hoping for a good result in the next game," the keeper-batter articulated.

Rajasthan will now face the winner of Eliminator 1 on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.