Rajasthan RoyalsSri Lanka Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara last night shed light on the controversial dismissal of Sanju Samson against the cricketer Delhi capitals.
The incident took place last night at the Arun Jaitley Stadium where the third umpire narrowly prevented Shai Hope’s attempt to overtake Sanju Samson. Hope was extremely close to the boundary ropes and in the end it was a very close call indeed. However, Kumar Sangakkara did not express any appreciation for the decision during the post-match press conference.
What happened to Sanju Samson?
After the Delhi Capitals set a competitive target of 222, the Rajasthan Royals initially got off to a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed in the first over of the second innings after hitting a four off Khaleel Ahmed. Then, after a 63-run partnership between Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson, the Englishman was eliminated in the sixth over.
In the next 4 overs, Rajasthan Royals had scored 103 runs but instead of capitalizing on the start, Riyan Parag was sent back to the pavilion for 27 off 22. In the next 5 overs, Sanju Samson worked with Shubham Singh and the RR captain took the charge into his own hands after Parag’s dismissal.
Sanju Samson kept the scoreboard ticking non-stop, hitting 2-3 boundaries in every over until the 16th over of the game. During the over bowling by Mukesh Kumar, Samson was under pressure to find the boundary ropes.
In the 4th ball of the over Mukesh Kumar served a long and medium throw. Sanju Samson flicked it in the air towards long-on across the ground and it almost cleared the fence. However, Shai Hope had managed to take a brilliant catch to the left while balancing himself in the boards.
The replays show that he was near the cushions but did not touch them. And Sanju Samson was not at all happy with the decision and also said a few words before heading to the dressing room.
What did Kumar Sangakkara say about this incident?
While speaking to media reporters during the press conference, Kumar Sangakkara was not critical of the umpire’s decision. The former Sri Lanka captain handled the matter rather maturely, as befits a director of cricket. Although he claimed that it was a close call and that the RR dugout thought it wasn’t out yet, the final decision rested with the referees.
And regardless of what it could have been, Kumar Sangakkara felt it was best to agree with the umpire’s decision. He also praised the Delhi Capitals for coming out with such a clinical performance.
“It depends on the reps and angles. Sometimes you think your foot has touched. It was difficult for the third referee to judge; The game was at a crucial stage, but it happened.”
“We have different perspectives, but at the end of the day you have to stand by the third referee’s decision, even if we have a different opinion. Of course we will share it with the referees, but I still thought we should have seen the home game played well. – Kumar Sangakkara told reporters at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.