NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson has played a stunning knock against Lucknow Super Giants, garnering support from veteran cricketers for his inclusion in the India’s T20 World Cup squad.
In an IPL match on Saturday at the Ekana Stadium, Samson's breathtaking performance not only secured a crucial victory for Rajasthan Royals but also reignited discussions surrounding his selection for the upcoming ICC event.
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen wasted no time in advocating for Samson's inclusion, delivering a blunt message to BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar moments after the match-winning six against Lucknow.
Pietersen, speaking on Star Sports, emphasized Samson's undeniable talent and his ability to thrive under pressure, asserting that he must be a part of the World Cup squad.
"He has to go. There's no doubt in my mind that he has to be on that aeroplane to the Caribbean and the USA in a couple of weeks. He is doing a lot with the pressure that he is also under as a captain and not being given higher honours. The way he scores runs and the situation he bats in, if I was the selector, he is one of my first picks," Pietersen declared emphatically.
Amidst ongoing discussions regarding the T20 World Cup squad selection, Samson's consistent batting performances throughout the IPL season have bolstered his case for inclusion. With an unbeaten 71 off just 33 balls against LSG, including seven boundaries and four maximums, Samson showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, taking his season tally to an impressive 385 runs with four fifty-plus scores.
Samson also currently leads the run-scoring charts among all Indian wicket-keeping options in IPL 2024 and stands second in the race for the Orange Cap, further solidifying his credentials for the World Cup squad.
1/10:Rajasthan beat Lucknow to near playoffs
ANI
2/10:Royals beat Giants
<p>Skipper Sanju Samson hit an unbeaten 71 as Rajasthan Royals all but confirmed their playoff spot with a seven-wicket hammering of Lucknow Super Giants. </p>AFP
3/10:115-run stand
<p>Hosts Lucknow posted 196-5 courtesy a 76 by skipper KL Rahul and his 115-run stand with Deepak Hooda, who made 50. </p>AFP
4/10:Sandeep Sharma
<p>Lucknow lost two early wickets after Trent Boult bowled Quinton de Kock for 8 and Sandeep Sharma bowled Marcus Stoinis for a duck. </p>AP
5/10:Solid footing
<p>Rahul and Hooda gave LSG a solid footing with a 62-ball 115-run stand for the third wicket after the early blows. </p>AFP
6/10:Rahul and Hooda
<p>Rahul and Hooda steadied the innings and then hit back but the effort was not enough. </p>TNN
7/10:Royals win
<p>Dhruv Jurel, who hit 52, and Samson steered table-toppers Rajasthan home with one over to spare for their eighth win in nine matches. </p>AP
8/10:Brisk start
<p>Samson and Jurel came together after the Royals had stumbled from a brisk start to hand the advantage to the home side. </p>AFP
9/10:Match-winning stand
<p>Samson and Jurel put on a robust stand of 121 runs in just 62 balls stand for the unconquered fourth wicket to take their side over the line. </p>PTI
