Former India player Irfan Pathan has applauded Sanju Samson for playing a match-winning knock in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2024 clash against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, Samson hit an unbeaten 82 off 52 deliveries as RR set LSG a 194-run target in Jaipur on Sunday, March 24. The home team then restricted LSG to 173/6 to register a convincing 20-run win as well.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan said, “I and (Ambati) Rayudu were watching each other’s faces when he played that shot off the back foot on the off side. You cannot play such a shot unless you have special ability, and Sanju is extremely special. The way Sanju Samson is playing spin, I feel his name will surely be there among the top five cricketers against spin in the IPL. He has an amazing back-foot game. We know he has always played fast bowling well. He controlled the innings totally.”

However, Sanju Samson came to bat when the Royals lost Jos Buttler’s wicket in the second over. Although RR further struggled when Yashasvi Jaiswal got out three overs later, Samson added 93 runs for the third wicket with Riyan Parag (43 off 29) to help his side post a decent total.

“Two wickets had fallen but despite that, he played his game properly. He played cautiously when he had to do so and then when he had to play the big shots, he is as good as anyone as far as power-hitting is concerned. So it was enjoyable to watch,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Rayudu also stated that the Royals tried to play a batter short by keeping Rovman Powell among the Impact subs while batting first as well.

“He batted from within the crease as well and just tried to time the ball. It never seemed like he was trying to force the ball. It was his hallmark batting. He generally bats like this at the start. It remains to be seen if he will be consistent throughout the tournament,” he said.