NEW DELHI: The loss of captain
Sanju Samson
put the Rajasthan Royals in a difficult situation, but head coach
Kumar Sangakkara
believes the team still ought to have defeated the Delhi Capitals in this IPL match.
Samson made 86 from 46 balls but was out of the game in a chase of 222. The Royals had to score 60 runs from 27 balls after his departure, but they ultimately failed by 20 runs on Tuesday night.
A win would have ensured a play-offs spot for the Royals and exit for the Capitals but the result meant that the hosts stayed alive in the tournament.
"Irrespective of that dismissal, we still should have probably seen that game home," Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference.
"Losses happen. We had a great run at the start of the season. We bowled brilliantly in this game, especially
Ashwin
but once you make too many casual mistakes, it becomes very hard. At the end of the day it's about execution."
When
Shai Hope
caught
Samson
at the boundary ropes, there were questions as to whether or not he had touched the fence, therefore Samson was not happy when he left the field.
Samson was declared out by the TV umpire, but the Royals captain elected to dispute the call with the on-field umpire before leaving.
According to Sangakkara, making a call can be challenging at times, even for the third umpire.
"It depends on replays and angles, and sometimes you think the foot's touched. But it is a difficult one for the third umpire to judge. The game was at a crucial stage, so that happens in cricket.
"We have different perspectives on it. At the end of the day, you have to stand by that decision in terms of what the umpires did. If we have any other kind of opinion on it, we will share it with the umpire and sort it out."
The coach was happy with Samson's batting approach.
"Sanju Samson has a lot of clarity about the way he should bat. There are certain stages where he seems to lose his concentration a little bit and we worked on that in the off season. It is really important for him, not just as a captain but as a batter. He is exceptionally talented," he said, adding that he takes very good care of the group.
The catch by Hope, who stumbled before regaining his balance, was hailed by Capitals' assistant coach
Pravin Amre
.
"In IPL some moments are very crucial, and it was a deciding moment in the game," Amre said.
"Sanju was batting so well. We have to give credit to the way Hope judged that catch. Umpires are there, and there is so much technology.
"We also thought from the dugout that he has (touched the boundary) but it (happens) in the game, and the umpire's decision is the final decision. It wasn't an easy catch, it was really travelling. After the game also I spoke to him and he said the ball came very, very fast."
Delhi Capitals' victory on Tuesday caused them to climb one spot to fifth in the standings. They currently have 12 points and can earn up to 16, but there are teams that can reach 18 points and make it to the playoffs.
(With PTI inputs)
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