“We wanted him to hit that shot instead of bowling short to him and him pulling it because he likes that,” said Riyan Parag after the match, reflecting on the strategy employed against Sanju Samson.
In the IPL 2026 match held in Guwahati on March 30, Sanju Samson, now playing for Chennai Super Kings after a trade worth INR 18 crore, was dismissed for just 6 runs off 7 balls. His dismissal came at the hands of Nandre Burger, who clean bowled him, marking a disappointing outing for the seasoned player.
Sanju Samson, who made his IPL debut in 2013 with the Rajasthan Royals, has been a prominent figure in the league, consistently scoring over 50 runs in his opening games from 2020 to 2025. However, this season has posed new challenges for him.
The match saw Riyan Parag making his full-time captaincy debut for the Rajasthan Royals, leading the team to a convincing victory over the Chennai Super Kings by 8 wickets. Parag’s leadership was praised, and he emphasized the team’s batting mindset during the post-match presentation.
“It wasn’t an easy pitch. There was something in it for the bowlers, a bit of moisture,” noted Anil Kumble, highlighting the conditions that contributed to the match’s dynamics.
Suresh Raina, commenting on the team’s approach, remarked, “Riyan Parag mentioned in the post-match presentation about the batting mindset that as long as the team is winning, they are sticking to their approach.” This reflects the confidence the Rajasthan Royals have in their strategy moving forward.
As the IPL season progresses, the combination of players and their performances will be crucial for the Rajasthan Royals. Raina added, “I think that combination will be very important for RR this season,” indicating that the team is looking to build on their recent success.
With Sanju Samson’s transition to the Chennai Super Kings, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new role and whether he can regain his form in the upcoming matches.
