IPL 2018| Gowtham’s innings was once in a lifetime experience: Sanju Samson

IPL 2018| Gowtham’s innings was once in a lifetime experience: Sanju Samson

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Praising Krishnappa Gowtham’s knock against Mumbai Indians yesterday, Sanju Samson said It was a kind of innings which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Rajasthan Royals batsman also applauded debutant Jofra Archer for his brilliant bowling against Mumbai Indians.

The match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians saw another Indian domestic talent Krishnappa Gowtham’s arrival in IPL as he helped his side get over the line. Gowtham’s vital 11 balls 33 handed Rajasthan a three-wicket win against defending champs Mumbai Indians at Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Batting first, Mumbai put 167 runs on the board thanks to a good innings from Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 72 out of 47 balls, and Ishan Kishan, who put up a gritty 58 in 42 balls. But the middle order collapse and good combined bowling effort by Rajasthan bowlers restricted the defending Champions to a modest score.  

Chasing 168, Samson’s 52 and his 72-run stand for the third wicket with Ben Stokes put Rajasthan Royals on course for a win. However, Hardik Pandya’s dismissal of Stokes for 40 and two wickets by Jasprit Bumrah, in 17th over, turned the match in Mumbai’s favor. At one stage, Rajasthan was needed 38 runs out of 14 balls. But Gowtham’s brilliance with bat denied Mumbai Indians’ their second win of the serirs.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Samson was all praise for Gowtham’s blitz and later described this kind of innings are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Gowtham’s innings was brilliant. The knock was a (once in a) lifetime experience not just for him, but for all of us, am feeling like the top of the world,” Samson said after the match. Samson, who is currently the orange cap holder in this edition of the tournament, praised the contributions of Jofra Archer, who took 3/23 and also Stokes’ knock.

“Everyone’s contributions were important. Jofra Archer took three important wickets. Our bowlers did really well to restrict Mumbai Indians to 167/7. Even Stokes’ innings was important. The partnership that we had was crucial,” the Kerala batsman said.

Rajasthan Royals face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 29 next and they will be determined to turn things around after they lost their first encounter against Kane Williamson’s side by nine wickets. Samson highlighted one key factor which the team needed to improve. “We need to pull up our socks while fielding. We need to show energy on the field and practice hard,” he said.

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