IPL 2024: RR Skipper Sanju Samson Reflects on Loss to GT: ‘We Must Learn and Progress’

Gujarat Titans pulled off an incredible win against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mann Singh Stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday as the visitors chased down a target of 197 for the loss of 3 wickets thanks to a match-winning innings from skipper Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan. And Rahul Tewatia who helped Gujarat over the line. RR captain Sanju Samson was visibly disappointed after the loss as the hosts let the game slip away after firmly commanding for its majority. When asked about the moment the game slipped away from him, a crestfallen Samson said it was at the very end of the game and one of the most challenging parts of being a captain was to clarify the details of games that ended in defeat.

“I think (we lost it in the last ball of the game),” said Samson.

“It is very difficult to speak at this moment. The toughest job in a tournament is when a captain loses a game and has to tell where the game was lost. I can clearly tell when emotions come down,” he stated. Samson explained that he felt the total of 196 they managed to put up was a defendable total. “When I was batting I thought there would be a fighting score of something around 180. 196 was a winning score I thought,” he explained. “Without the mist, our bowling lineup should do it. Getting tough at the start of the innings was not easy. 197 at Jaipur, sans the fog, we’ll take that any day,” he continued.

The loss halted RR’s unbeaten run in the ongoing edition of the IPL. Samson praised GT’s valiant efforts and opined that it is the nature of the game and the tournament. Credit must be given to Gujarat Titans. That is the beauty of this tournament. Have to learn and move on,” added Sassamon.