In Sunday's first game of the Indian T20 League 2023, Rajasthan faced off against Hyderabad in the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl first; Rajasthan was pretty content with the decision. Both their openers went off to amazing starts, scoring half-centuries to set a great foundation for the rest of the Rajasthan batters.
As such, Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson utilised his license to hit to full effect. He added a quickfire fifty of just 28 balls to keep the scoreboard ticking at a good rate. Samson scored 55 of 32 balls before falling prey to T Natarajan's pace. His innings consisted of four sixes and three boundaries.
Anil Kumble said he'd want to see Sanju Samson in the Indian team
Earlier, Anil Kumble, former captain of India, has also expressed a desire for Samson to play for the country. Among the most successful players in the lucrative league, Samson struggled to maintain consistency when playing for the national team. He was never given a permanent spot in the lineup. Nonetheless, many cricket fans and ex-players still want him to be a part of Team India due to his exceptional talent and skills.
Rajasthan closed off their innings at 203/5 in their twenty overs. However, they could have reached a much higher score, making the target even more challenging for the home team. The visitors kept losing regular wickets. T Natarajan remained the pick of the bowlers for Hyderabad, claiming two wickets for 23 runs in three overs. Fazalhaq Farooqi also returned with two wickets but went for a hefty 41 in his four overs. Umran Malik bowled a collector's item to get rid of Devdutt Padikkal, which remained the only scalp for the speedster.
Bangalore will host Mumbai in a clash of the league's longest-active teams in the day's second game. It promises to be an intense watch with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli going against each other.
Here's how fans reacted to Samson's innings:
50 in IPL Since 2021
— 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒉 𝒊𝒔 Life (@Pant_life) April 2, 2023
Sanju : 04
Roshit : 01
Guess who is in Playing XI of India in t20i
BCCI got another reason not to select Sanju in Indian Team. 🤡
— DigitalSanghi (@digitalsanghii) April 2, 2023
THIS IS A SLAP TO BCCI'S FACE
— 𝓹𓃵 (@cricloverPrayas) April 2, 2023
TALENTS LIKE RUTU AND SANJU DESERVES CHANCES LIKE KLOL
Indian team selectors : pic.twitter.com/G1pDWh39Nm
— Cricket With Laresh (@Lareshhere) April 2, 2023
Sanju Back 🤩
— Virat Kohli Worldwide (@ViratianTweets) April 2, 2023
Death, taxes & Sanju Samson performing for RR in the very 1st match of an IPL season!
— Ana de Armas stan (@abhithecomic) April 2, 2023
Tweet about pan parag
— Johnmuffa (@ictblood) April 2, 2023
john right now pic.twitter.com/kmq58OkV9M
— Yash. (@iYashTweets) April 2, 2023