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May 25, 2024
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson had special praise in store for Sandeep Sharma after witnessing an inspirational performance from the pacer.
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson had special praise in store for Sandeep Sharma after witnessing an inspirational performance from the pacer. Rajasthan’s campaign ended on a heartbreaking note after their hopes of reaching the final ended with a 36-run defeat. Despite Rajasthan’s shortcomings, Sandeep stood out with his precise swinging deliveries. On a night when spinners reigned supreme, the 31-year-old speedster left his impression with a performance soothing to the eyes.
His performance summed up the season he enjoyed. Samson has closely witnessed Sandeep do his magic throughout the season, naming him the “next guy” after stalwart speedster Jasprit Bumrah.
“I am happy for him. By not being picked in the auctions and coming back as a replacement. The way he bowled, he has delivered. If we look at the numbers, Sandeep Sharma in the last two years, he (Sandeep) will be the next guy after Bumrah. He has done a great job,” Samson said after the game.
During the game, he picked up two crucial wickets for SRH’s power-hitting Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen duo. He ended the game with 2/25 in his four-over spell.
In the tournament’s previous edition, Sandeep went unsold in the IPL auction. The Royals signed him as a replacement for Prasidh Krishna.
From that moment, he has emerged as a crucial figure for Rajasthan in their pace bowling set-up.
Sandeep ended the season with 13 wickets under his belt in 11 matches at an economy of 8.18 and a strike rate of 17.54.
Apart from Sandeep, Rajasthan enjoyed the presence of youngsters Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag.
Both players were instrumental in their batting set-up throughout the season. When most batters perished, Jurel fought the opposition with his knock of 56*.
“We have had some brilliant games not only this season but from the last three years, it has been a great project for our franchise. We have found some great talent for the country. Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and a lot of them are looking exciting not only for RR but definitely for the Indian cricket team. We have had some great seasons from the last three years,” Samson added.
While Rajasthan fell short in booking their berth for the final, Samson is optimistic about enjoying a grand final between Sunrisers and Kolkata Knight Riders.
“The condition suits both of them, so let’s see how they come back again in the powerplay. SRH batsmen are very interesting, they can take the game away. KKR also will be confident, they look very exciting. It’ll be a great game, that’s what IPL has been giving us for the last 16 years,” Samson concluded.
Recapping the match, after winning the toss, Samson decided to bowl. Heinrich Klaasen’s 50-run blitz helped Sunrisers post 175/9 on the board.
In reply, the spin duo didn’t allow Rajasthan to stay close to the asking rate. The pacers did their job and kept the batters at bay. Rajasthan succumbed to 139/7 and suffered a 36-run defeat.
Sunrisers will face Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk on Sunday at the final of the ongoing edition.
The IPL has seen several tearaway quicks, which fizzled out after a short duration. Sunil Gavaskar raised a pertinent point on the love for speed.
When the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 started, Lucknow Super Giants’ Mayank Yadav was hailed as this edition’s breakaway star. His speed generated awe as he regularly clocked over 150kmph. His case was almost identical to Umran Malik, who broke a fast bowling record in the IPL several seasons back. Umran Malik has been in the shadows in the IPL 2024. Mayank also did not look the same after an injury cut kept him out for considerable time.
Amid such youngsters, one bowler who made a brilliant comeback was Rajasthan Royals’ Sandeep Sharma. He went unsold in the auction and was inducted into the team as a replacement for the injured Prasidh Krishna. But he did not let that deter him. He took a five-wicket haul against Mumbai Indians and has taken 13 wickets. His economy is 8.18.
Against SunRisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 2 on Friday, Sharma returned with figures of 2/25 in four overs. He took the wickets of SRH top-scorer Heinrich Klaasen and opener Travis Head.
Sunil Gavaskar effusively praised Sandeep and also blasted those who are impressed by the express pace of Indian cricket.
“In India, we start salivating whenever anyone bowls over 145. We say he’s the next big thing. But bowlers need cleverness which Sandeep Sharma has. No one talks about it from the India aspect. He has been delivering consistently,” Sunil Gavaskar said on air.
Sandeep has consistently performed in the IPL for various franchises but has never been given a consistent run in the national team.
On him being called under-rates, Sharma recently told Indian Express: “I don’t know. I have never thought about it. Kabhi kabhi lagta hai mujhe mera due nahi mila jo milna chahiaye tha (Sometimes I feel like I never got the credit I deserved). But it’s fine. I am not 23-24 anymore. By the end of this tournament, I will turn 31. Few things are just not in your hands.”
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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