In the match between the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals, Trent Boult was named Player of the Match for taking three wickets. His spell wasn’t a “game-changer,” though, for Sanju Samson.
Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, feels that the toss was the “game changer” in their 6-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in the Indian Premier League 2024. RR easily defeated the struggling Hardik Pandya-led MI to continue their winning streak in the IPL. In the opening match of the season, MI was left hanging after the powerplay by Trent Boult’s outstanding opening spell after Samson had won the toss and sent MI to bat. The middle order was swept away by Yuzvendra Chahal, forcing the five-time winners to surrender for a score of 125/9.
Samson commented after the game, “I think the toss was the game changer,” regarding the significance of the toss in their convincing victory. Because of Boult and Burger’s experience, we were able to start the game despite the wicket being excessively sticky. We anticipated that with the new ball, as he has been playing for ten to fifteen years. We thought our bowlers would be effective, but we didn’t anticipate losing four or five wickets.”
“We are aware that some members of our team are significant, but what makes us unique is that each person understands their position, fulfills it, and moves on. The likes of Ash and Chahal kept it tight without really trying to get wickets after realizing we had a strong powerplay,” he continued.
Chahal, who finished the game with a score of 3/11, was in for some extra recognition. Gerald Coetzee, MI captain Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Varma were among the important victims claimed by the legbreak spinner.
“I believe he was very motivated for this IPL, and he has been performing well for us over the last two to three years,” Samson said.
MI had trouble getting going early in the contest; they only managed to reach 125/9. With 34 runs in 21 deliveries, Pandya was the MI’s top scorer. Tilak Varma contributed a vital 32 runs in 29 balls.
Riding high on previous exploits, Riyan Parag responded by putting the MI bowlers at his mercy and completing the match in spectacular fashion to give RR a decisive victory.