Chennai, India

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Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson admits his team fell short of options against spin during the middle overs against SunRisers Hyderabad, which led to their exit from IPL 2024. Samson said SRH made most of the conditions in the second innings by bowling two left-arm spinners in the middle overs, with the ball stopping now and then. Although his team failed to reach the finals this season, Samson feels RR has unearthed a brilliant talent in Riyan Parag, who is now ready for his India debut.

"I think we were found short of options in the middle overs against spin, and I think that's where we lost the game," Samson said in the post-match presser.

"Against left-arm spin, we had three-four right-handers in the middle and the ball was stopping. But we could've tried a bit more [options] - reverse-sweep or use of the crease a bit more - and they [SRH] also bowled really well, actually,” Samson praised SRH’s Abhishek Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed. 

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ALSO READ: IPL 2024 Playoff: SunRisers Hyderabad demolish Rajasthan Royals to book showdown clash with Kolkata

With no dew during the game, the SRH successfully defended a par total at Chepauk, where the ball turned and gripped more in the second innings. Per the broadcaster, the average turn in the first innings was 1.8 degrees but increased to 3.3 in the second.

For the crucial knockout in Chennai, where spinners often get more purchase of the pitch, SRH dropped two spin mainstays - Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Mayank Markande and instead brought in Shahbaz as the Impact Sub during the first innings. The all-rounder played a handy knock of 18 off 18, hitting one six; he stood tall with the ball in hand, returning with three for 23 in four overs. 

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Alongside Abhishek – a part-timer, both conceded just 47 runs in eight overs, picking five wickets.

Parag’s time has come

Riyan Parag was a flop show last season, scoring just 78 in seven matches played; however, he turned the tides this year by ending up as the highest run-scorer for his team, amassing 573 runs in 15 games at a strike rate close to 150. 

Moreover, the captain praised keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel also, who top-scored with 55 against SunRisers Hyderabad. 

"To be very honest, we've had some brilliant games not only this season, but the last three years have been a great project for our franchise. 

"We've found some really great talent for the country, I think. Riyan Parag coming out of this season and Dhruv Jurel and a lot of them are looking really exciting, not only for RR but for the Indian cricket team,” Samson said.

Meanwhile, Parag and Abhishek are not part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad, with the BCCI selectors keen on trying them first in the bilateral series.