The game 56th of the Indian Premier League 2023 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals will take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. Two teams having similar points on the table are placed a spot apart due to an NRR difference – something that could decide their fate this season.

The game 56th of the Indian Premier League 2023 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals will take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. Two teams having similar points on the table are placed a spot apart due to an NRR difference – something that could decide their fate this season. While Rajasthan will enter this contest on the back of another loss at the hands of SunRisers Hyderabad in a last-ball thriller, hosts KKR will like to carry on the winning momentum as the playoffs approach. Man of the tournament for many and many reasons, Rinku Singh will again hog the limelight when two former champions collide for the place in the knockouts. The left-handed batter, alongside dangerous Andre Russell, aka, Dre Russ, helped Kolkata beat Punjab Kings by five wickets on the last ball the other night. With captain Nitish Rana returning to form and also with openers promising to deliver, at least in the home conditions, their batting unit is an evening away from making headlines. ALSO READ: BCCI set to take home US $231 million per year in ICC's new financial model In the bowling department, KKR is blessed to have three quality spinners in Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy and veteran Sunil Narine – all of whom have troubled each opposition; however, their only concern has been an inexperienced pace-bowling duo of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora. Besides, their forever x-factor Andre Russell will remain in the scheme of things, and going by his latest exploits, the hard-hitting Windies batter will fancy his chances against the RR spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravi Ashwin. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals - after winning a series of matches earlier, went down in successive games only to see them slide away from the playoffs race. With three games remaining, they need to win all of them to stay alive for the top-four finish – and after how they suffered their latest setback against SRH, seeking a win tonight will take some doing. Despite recent results, it’s hard to pinpoint a mistake in their line-up or approach; however, if they keep the belief and temperament going their way, they can overcome past demons. Result Prediction – Even though RR is coming on the back of successive loses they are likely to overcome the KKR challenge at Eden Gardens. Playing XIs of both teams – KKR - Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Jason Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy RR - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Sharma and Yuzvendra Chahal

IPL 2023, Match 56th: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals - Match Preview and Result Prediction

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson was saddened after the anti-climax end to the Indian Premier League (IPL) contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday. Samson, whose side was winning until the penultimate ball had to face a catastrophic defeat when Abdul Samad hit a six on a free hit, a consequence of a no-ball on the previous delivery. The defeat left RR in a vulnerable position, as they will now sit out of the top four by the time they take the field in their next encounter on Sunday, May 14.

"I was very confident with Sandeep. He has won us a game with almost a similar situation. He did it again today but that no-ball actually ruined our result," Samson said after the match while he spoke to the broadcasters.

"To be very honest, we all know that that's what IPL gives you. Matches like these, that's what makes IPL so special. You can never never never feel like you've won the game," added Samson.

RR were defending a target of 215 and thought they had won the contest when Sandeep Sharma bowled a dot ball on the final delivery of the innings when SRH needed five runs to win. However, in an extraordinary turn of events, the dot ball was deemed as a no-ball which left RR in a state of vulnerability. With four needed off the final ball, Sandeep got his proposed yorker wrong and was hit for six to hand a famous win to SRH at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

"It's a no-ball, you have to bowl it again, as simple as that. You don't think about it too much," Samson said when quizzed about how he reacted to having to regroup his troops.

"And I think Sandeep knows what to do. But definitely in the mindset there might be a small change for few seconds when you think the job is done. Almost everyone was celebrating.

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"But that's the nature of the game. You can't step the line at that time in the game."

The defeat has increased pressure on RR as they will sit out of the top four with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in action on Monday against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). A win for PBKS will see RR drop out while a win for either Mumbai Indians (MI) or Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Tuesday could see them drop as low as sixth in the standings.

RR will take on RCB on Sunday as the business end of the IPL takes center stage as points will matter more than the performances.

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Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson was saddened after the anti-climax end to the Indian Premier League (IPL) contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper Sanju Samson was saddened after the anti-climax end to the Indian Premier League (IPL) contest against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday. Samson, whose side was winning until the penultimate ball had to face a catastrophic defeat when Abdul Samad hit a six on a free hit, a consequence of a no-ball on the previous delivery. The defeat left RR in a vulnerable position, as they will now sit out of the top four by the time they take the field in their next encounter on Sunday, May 14. "I was very confident with Sandeep. He has won us a game with almost a similar situation. He did it again today but that no-ball actually ruined our result," Samson said after the match while he spoke to the broadcasters. "To be very honest, we all know that that's what IPL gives you. Matches like these, that's what makes IPL so special. You can never never never feel like you've won the game," added Samson. RR were defending a target of 215 and thought they had won the contest when Sandeep Sharma bowled a dot ball on the final delivery of the innings when SRH needed five runs to win. However, in an extraordinary turn of events, the dot ball was deemed as a no-ball which left RR in a state of vulnerability. With four needed off the final ball, Sandeep got his proposed yorker wrong and was hit for six to hand a famous win to SRH at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. "It's a no-ball, you have to bowl it again, as simple as that. You don't think about it too much," Samson said when quizzed about how he reacted to having to regroup his troops. "And I think Sandeep knows what to do. But definitely in the mindset there might be a small change for few seconds when you think the job is done. Almost everyone was celebrating. ALSO READ | Luka Modric to extend Real Madrid stay, set to sign new deal until 2024 "But that's the nature of the game. You can't step the line at that time in the game." The defeat has increased pressure on RR as they will sit out of the top four with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in action on Monday against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). A win for PBKS will see RR drop out while a win for either Mumbai Indians (MI) or Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Tuesday could see them drop as low as sixth in the standings. RR will take on RCB on Sunday as the business end of the IPL takes center stage as points will matter more than the performances. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: Samson brought to knees after Abdul Samad cameo, says 'that no-ball actually ruined our result'

Abdul Samad’s last-ball six pulled off the highest successful run-chase for SunRisers Hyderabad as they hunted down 215 against Rajasthan Royals with four wickets in hand.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first looked like the best call for Rajasthan Royals. The batter in hottest form, Yashasvi Jaiswal, started from where he left, leaving everyone, including the commentators in awe of his game. His partner, and perhaps the best T20I batter, Jos Buttler, finally found his lost mojo as he smashed the bowlers to all parts of the ground.&nbsp;

Following Jaiswal’s wicket inside the Powerplay, captain Sanju Samson joined Buttler in the middle, and what happened next turned heads all over. Both made sure they put up a show worth remembering for all the viewers as they stitched a 138-run stand that saw Buttler approaching his first hundred of the season.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-lsg-captain-krunal-pandya-laments-leaking-20-runs-extra-as-hardik-wins-battle-of-brothers-590037">IPL 2023: LSG captain Krunal Pandya laments leaking 20 runs extra as Hardik wins battle of brothers</a>

He, however, fell shy of the three-digit score by just four runs as Bhuvneshwar Kumar trapped him in the middle on a well-made 96. Sanju remained unbeaten on 66 from 38 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes as Rajasthan scored a daunting 214 for two in 20 overs.

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A fine yorker! 
A successful DRS call. 
...that's what it took to end the brilliant Buttler show!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvSRH</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BhuviOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BhuviOfficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/veuzutLtEz">pic.twitter.com/veuzutLtEz</a>
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SunRisers Hyderabad – whose batting unit hasn’t clicked this season, brought in the impact player Anmolpreet Singh alongside Abhishek Sharma to open the innings. Anmol had the run rate going for them, scoring 33 before Yuzvendra Chahal picked him in his first over.&nbsp;

Promising Abhishek Sharma delivered with the bat again as he completed his second fifty of IPL 2023. A strong partnership with Rahul Tripathi kept SRH in the chase. Ravi Ashwin, RR’s best bowler, then accounted for Abhishek’s wicket as he got out on 55 from 34 balls.

South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen joined in and went about his business straightaway. As he looked like taking the game away from the hosts, Chahal, with a flighted delivery, picked him up on 26 from 12 balls. Tripathi, who then took the onus on himself, hit a few boundaries before falling prey to Chahal’s deceiving flight that helped him bag his third wicket of the night.&nbsp;He added one more to kitty by removing SRH captain Aiden Markram just two balls later.

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Yuzvendra Chahal strikes twice in an over. 
 
Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram depart in quick succession. 
 
Live - <a href="https://t.co/aI1qKW8eVW">https://t.co/aI1qKW8eVW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvSRH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/FE4vHpOzMv">pic.twitter.com/FE4vHpOzMv</a>
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New Zealand’s Glenn Philips, who replaced Harry Brook in the XI, made all the difference as he hit 22 runs from the 19th over to bring the equation to 19 from seven balls. It took an incredible effort from Shimron Hetmyer in the outfield to dismiss him.

The drama unfolded in the final over as SunRisers Hyderabad pulled off their highest-ever run-chase in IPL. With five needed&nbsp;off the last ball, Sandeep Sharma dismissed Abdul Samad, caught in the deep long-off, only to discover that he overstepped. With four now required off the last ball, Samad smashed one over Sandeep's head to hand his team a famous win by four wickets.

WATCH THE VIDEO -

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WHAT. A. GAME 😱😱 
 
Abdul Samad wins it for the <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SunRisers</a> as he hits a maximum off the final delivery. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRH</a> win by 4 wickets. 
 
Scorecard - <a href="https://t.co/1EMWKvcgh9">https://t.co/1EMWKvcgh9</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvSRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvSRH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/yh0WVMEbOz">pic.twitter.com/yh0WVMEbOz</a>
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Abdul Samad’s last-ball six pulled off the highest successful run-chase for SunRisers Hyderabad as they hunted down 215 against Rajasthan Royals with four wickets in hand.

Abdul Samad’s last-ball six pulled off the highest successful run-chase for SunRisers Hyderabad as they hunted down 215 against Rajasthan Royals with four wickets in hand. Winning the toss and electing to bat first looked like the best call for Rajasthan Royals. The batter in hottest form, Yashasvi Jaiswal, started from where he left, leaving everyone, including the commentators in awe of his game. His partner, and perhaps the best T20I batter, Jos Buttler, finally found his lost mojo as he smashed the bowlers to all parts of the ground. Following Jaiswal’s wicket inside the Powerplay, captain Sanju Samson joined Buttler in the middle, and what happened next turned heads all over. Both made sure they put up a show worth remembering for all the viewers as they stitched a 138-run stand that saw Buttler approaching his first hundred of the season. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: LSG captain Krunal Pandya laments leaking 20 runs extra as Hardik wins battle of brothers He, however, fell shy of the three-digit score by just four runs as Bhuvneshwar Kumar trapped him in the middle on a well-made 96. Sanju remained unbeaten on 66 from 38 balls, hitting four fours and five sixes as Rajasthan scored a daunting 214 for two in 20 overs. Did You Watch? A fine yorker! A successful DRS call. ...that's what it took to end the brilliant Buttler show!#TATAIPL | #RRvSRH | @BhuviOfficial pic.twitter.com/veuzutLtEz — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2023 × SunRisers Hyderabad – whose batting unit hasn’t clicked this season, brought in the impact player Anmolpreet Singh alongside Abhishek Sharma to open the innings. Anmol had the run rate going for them, scoring 33 before Yuzvendra Chahal picked him in his first over. Promising Abhishek Sharma delivered with the bat again as he completed his second fifty of IPL 2023. A strong partnership with Rahul Tripathi kept SRH in the chase. Ravi Ashwin, RR’s best bowler, then accounted for Abhishek’s wicket as he got out on 55 from 34 balls. South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen joined in and went about his business straightaway. As he looked like taking the game away from the hosts, Chahal, with a flighted delivery, picked him up on 26 from 12 balls. Tripathi, who then took the onus on himself, hit a few boundaries before falling prey to Chahal’s deceiving flight that helped him bag his third wicket of the night. He added one more to kitty by removing SRH captain Aiden Markram just two balls later. Yuzvendra Chahal strikes twice in an over. Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram depart in quick succession. Live - https://t.co/aI1qKW8eVW #TATAIPL #RRvSRH #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/FE4vHpOzMv — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2023 × New Zealand’s Glenn Philips, who replaced Harry Brook in the XI, made all the difference as he hit 22 runs from the 19th over to bring the equation to 19 from seven balls. It took an incredible effort from Shimron Hetmyer in the outfield to dismiss him. The drama unfolded in the final over as SunRisers Hyderabad pulled off their highest-ever run-chase in IPL. With five needed off the last ball, Sandeep Sharma dismissed Abdul Samad, caught in the deep long-off, only to discover that he overstepped. With four now required off the last ball, Samad smashed one over Sandeep's head to hand his team a famous win by four wickets. WATCH THE VIDEO - WHAT. A. GAME 😱😱 Abdul Samad wins it for the @SunRisers as he hits a maximum off the final delivery. #SRH win by 4 wickets. Scorecard - https://t.co/1EMWKvcgh9 #TATAIPL #RRvSRH #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/yh0WVMEbOz — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2023 ×

IPL 2023: Abdul Samad's last-ball six pulls off a miracle win for SunRisers Hyderabad against RR in Jaipur

Former South Africa skipper Shaun Pollock wasn't impressed with Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson's tactics against Gujarat Giants. Notably, Royals lost the match against Gujarat by nine wickets at their own home ground in Jaipur.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Pollock said, "I was a little bit surprised by some of the tactics employed there. After 1-2 overs, you realized that it wasn't really swinging. So, they were late to get to the spinners to look if maybe if they could have had an impact, was a little bit of a surprise."

Batting first after winning the toss, Royals had a horrible start with Butler getting out as the first wicket. Jaiswal was then sold by his skipper Sanju Samson for the second wicket. Royals then could never come out the hole they had dug themselves with Gujarat's Afghan duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed choking them to death.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-sunil-gavaskar-says-ms-dhoni-could-take-over-india-coaching-role-in-future-589578">IPL 2023: Sunil Gavaskar says MS Dhoni 'could take over India coaching role' in future</a>

The spin duo bowled a total of seven overs between them and took five wickets for 39 runs with Rashid winning Player of the Match award for his 3/14 in four overs. Samson was the highest run-scorer for Rajasthan, scoring 30 off 20 balls.

Chasing a paltry total of 118, Gujarat hardly broke a sweat as the openers themselves wiped most of the runs - 71 to be precise before Shubman Gill fell for 36. Skipper Hardik Pandya then smashed Adam Zampa for three sixes and a four in the 11th over to kill of the chase.

Gujarat eventually got to the target in 13.5 overs with Wriddiman Saha being not out on 41 off 34 and Pandya smashing unbeaten 39 off just 15 balls.&nbsp;

Disappointed by loss, Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara, speaking to the media after the loss, said a performance like this is embarrassing for everyone in the camp. He added other than being poor across all sectors, RR batters didn’t show any intent against the Afghanistan pair of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who picked five wickets between them.

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Former South Africa skipper Shaun Pollock wasn't impressed with Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson's tactics against Gujarat Giants. Notably, Royals lost the match against Gujarat by nine wickets at their own home ground in Jaipur.

Former South Africa skipper Shaun Pollock wasn't impressed with Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson's tactics against Gujarat Giants. Notably, Royals lost the match against Gujarat by nine wickets at their own home ground in Jaipur. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Pollock said, "I was a little bit surprised by some of the tactics employed there. After 1-2 overs, you realized that it wasn't really swinging. So, they were late to get to the spinners to look if maybe if they could have had an impact, was a little bit of a surprise." Batting first after winning the toss, Royals had a horrible start with Butler getting out as the first wicket. Jaiswal was then sold by his skipper Sanju Samson for the second wicket. Royals then could never come out the hole they had dug themselves with Gujarat's Afghan duo of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed choking them to death. Also Read: IPL 2023: Sunil Gavaskar says MS Dhoni 'could take over India coaching role' in future The spin duo bowled a total of seven overs between them and took five wickets for 39 runs with Rashid winning Player of the Match award for his 3/14 in four overs. Samson was the highest run-scorer for Rajasthan, scoring 30 off 20 balls. Chasing a paltry total of 118, Gujarat hardly broke a sweat as the openers themselves wiped most of the runs - 71 to be precise before Shubman Gill fell for 36. Skipper Hardik Pandya then smashed Adam Zampa for three sixes and a four in the 11th over to kill of the chase. Gujarat eventually got to the target in 13.5 overs with Wriddiman Saha being not out on 41 off 34 and Pandya smashing unbeaten 39 off just 15 balls. Disappointed by loss, Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara, speaking to the media after the loss, said a performance like this is embarrassing for everyone in the camp. He added other than being poor across all sectors, RR batters didn’t show any intent against the Afghanistan pair of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, who picked five wickets between them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: 'They were late...': Former SA skipper left 'SURPRISED' by Sanju Samson's tactics against Gujarat

Rajasthan Royals faced a reality check after they crumbled for 118 against defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the repeat of the last year’s IPL final, RR and GT were expected to stage a mouth-watering clash but the likes of Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler failed to deliver against a resolute GT attack led by Rashid Khan as he scalped three wickets.

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Innings Break!<a href="https://twitter.com/gujarat_titans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gujarat_titans</a> excel with the ball and restrict <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RR</a> to 118 in the first innings 🙌 
 
Can the <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> produce a special comeback in this game? 🤔 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvGT</a> <a href="https://t.co/4d8F09TD5C">pic.twitter.com/4d8F09TD5C</a>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1654514564745302017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>RR face reality check</h2>

Having opted to bat first in the challenging conditions of Jaipur, the decision backfired on skipper Sanju Samson as they lost wickets at regular intervals despite a decent start. RR lost Buttler (8) in the second over but they recovered well with Samson (30) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (11) and were 47/1. However, GT was struck with venom as Jaiswal and Samson were dismissed in quick succession which led to a horrible collapse.

Soon RR were 77/6 and looked dead and out as the triple-figure mark looked out of reach for them. A decent knock from Trent Boult (15) helped RR reach the 100-run mark and mount a decent challenge. In the entire innings, only four batters entered double figures before they lost way to get bowled out for 118.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/narendra-modi-stadium-in-ahmedabad-is-likely-to-host-india-vs-pakistan-2023-world-cup-clash-reports-589110">Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is likely to host India vs Pakistan 2023 World Cup clash - Reports</a>

Rashid Khan was the chief destructor for RR as he scalped three wickets while his Afghanistan colleague Noor Ahmad ended with two wickets as well. Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya and Joshua Little all scalped a wicket to break the RR back.

With points looking out of hand, RR will look forward to the next game when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday, May 7 before they take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). On the flip side, GT will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday while Mumbai Indians await them on Friday.

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Rajasthan Royals faced a reality check after they crumbled for 118 against defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Rajasthan Royals faced a reality check after they crumbled for 118 against defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the repeat of the last year’s IPL final, RR and GT were expected to stage a mouth-watering clash but the likes of Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler failed to deliver against a resolute GT attack led by Rashid Khan as he scalped three wickets. Innings Break!@gujarat_titans excel with the ball and restrict #RR to 118 in the first innings 🙌 Can the @rajasthanroyals produce a special comeback in this game? 🤔 #TATAIPL | #RRvGT pic.twitter.com/4d8F09TD5C — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 5, 2023 × RR face reality check Having opted to bat first in the challenging conditions of Jaipur, the decision backfired on skipper Sanju Samson as they lost wickets at regular intervals despite a decent start. RR lost Buttler (8) in the second over but they recovered well with Samson (30) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (11) and were 47/1. However, GT was struck with venom as Jaiswal and Samson were dismissed in quick succession which led to a horrible collapse. Soon RR were 77/6 and looked dead and out as the triple-figure mark looked out of reach for them. A decent knock from Trent Boult (15) helped RR reach the 100-run mark and mount a decent challenge. In the entire innings, only four batters entered double figures before they lost way to get bowled out for 118. ALSO READ | Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is likely to host India vs Pakistan 2023 World Cup clash - Reports Rashid Khan was the chief destructor for RR as he scalped three wickets while his Afghanistan colleague Noor Ahmad ended with two wickets as well. Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya and Joshua Little all scalped a wicket to break the RR back. With points looking out of hand, RR will look forward to the next game when they take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday, May 7 before they take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). On the flip side, GT will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday while Mumbai Indians await them on Friday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: RR face reality-check as Buttler, Samson crumble against champs GT in own backyard

On Sunday (April 30), match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition saw five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) edge past Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets in pursuit of a mammoth 213-run target. This became the first instance when&nbsp;a 200-plus total was chased&nbsp;at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in tournament history.&nbsp;

NUMBERS GAME

Most-successful IPL run-chases at Wankhede 
213 - MI vs RR, April 30, 2023 
198 - MI vs Punjab Kings (PBKS),&nbsp;2019 
196 - Gujarat Titans (GT)&nbsp;vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH),&nbsp;2022 
196 - Delhi Capitals (DC) vs PBKS, 2021

Highest successful run-chases in&nbsp;IPL history 
224 - RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020 
219 - MI vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi, 2021 
215 - RR vs Deccan Chargers (DC), Hyderabad, 2008 
213 - MI vs RR, Mumbai WS, today 
213 - Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB),&nbsp;Bengaluru, 2023

Speaking about IPL's rich history, the high-voltage MI-RR clash was a landmark fixture as&nbsp;it was the tournament's 1,000th match. Since the mega event's inception in 2008, it has grown&nbsp;by leaps and bounds. It has increased the game's overall popularity, flushed more revenue&nbsp;into the sport, and led to many cricketers competing with superstar international stars.

In addition, IPL led to the advent of many franchise leagues&nbsp;across the globe (such as the Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, etc). The pace of the game has increased manifold. Thus, cricket&nbsp;has never been the same since IPL's commencement.

Talking about the 1,000th IPL encounter,&nbsp;last year's runners-up RR opted to bat first and posted 212-7 riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden ton (124). In reply, MI rode on Suryakumar Yadav's 55 (29) and rapid knocks from Tilak Verma and Tim David to take their side to a much-needed win.

At the start of the tournament, it was&nbsp;advertised that MI's upcoming away game versus arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) -- on May 06 (Saturday) in Chennai -- would count as IPL's 1,000th clash. Here's the twist:

EXPLAINED: Not CSK vs MI! Why MI vs RR was counted as&nbsp;IPL'S 1000th game:&nbsp;

Till IPL&nbsp;2022, a total of 951 matches were held in the cash-rich league. This meant that match number 49 of the&nbsp;current season would be adjudged as the 1,000th game. However, in between these 951 fixtures, as many as seven matches were played which were called off with no result.&nbsp;

Notably, not even a single ball was bowled in these seven&nbsp;fixtures, but all of them were declared official matches as per cricketing rules. Thus, a total of 958 official games were held till the end of the 2022 edition,&nbsp;making this year's 42nd match IPL's 1,000th encounter.

<section>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-mumbai-indians-create-history-at-wankhede-chase-down-213-against-rajasthan-royals-587652">Mumbai Indians pull off highest successful run-chase against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede in IPL's 1000th game</a></section>

Speaking after MI's historic win in IPL's landmark game, captain Rohit Sharma (who was also celebrating his 36th birthday and ten years as Mumbai's captain on Sunday evening), said, "Very pleasing to see how we chased this. Last game here also we came close to a similar target. We have the ability but need to back ourselves."

On David being regarded as the next Kieron Pollard, Rohit added, "Big shoes to fill, Polly for so many years won us so many championships. But Tim has so much ability and power. In the back end, having that power keeps the bowler thinking."

David, who struck a magnificent 14-ball 45* and ended the game with three straight sixes in the final over, stated, "We needed a result. It is an amazing feeling, there's no better feeling than playing at the Wankhede,&nbsp;for our confidence. We have not played our best cricket in the last few games, so this feels good. It felt everyone (bowler) had to be targeted, in good batting conditions, and personally, I wanted to do something like this for a while."

Meanwhile, a dejected Samson said, "It was kind of getting wet. It was not too wet and we were taking our time to wipe the ball. We had the experience of bowling in these conditions. We will keep focusing on the process. We will keep the focus on the controllable. We will keep fighting hard."

On Jaiswal's superb knock, Samson opined, "I was expecting something special from Jaiswal. He scored 70-odd in the last game, we always thought it (hundred) is around the corner."

TRAFFIC JAM IN THE POINTS TABLE

<img alt="IPL Points Table after 1000th game of tournament" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6f7c898-9bda-440a-9353-286b402c6549" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IPL%20PT%20after%20match%2042.jpg" />

Talking about the IPL 2023 points table, after match 42, there is&nbsp;a lot of chaos with the competition heating up for the playoffs.&nbsp;Last year's champions, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), occupy the first spot with 12 points from eight games. RR and CSK, who also failed to defend 201 versus PBKS on Sunday during the afternoon game, are in the third and fourth spots respectively.

KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are right behind table-toppers GT in the second position. LSG, RR, and CSK have ten points each.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in the fifth position, also with ten points, whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)&nbsp; and MI are in the&nbsp;sixth and seventh spots respectively (eight points each). Lastly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and&nbsp;Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have six points each, followed by Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last spot with four points.

On Sunday (April 30), match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition saw five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) edge past Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets in pursuit of a mammoth 213-run target.

On Sunday (April 30), match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition saw five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) edge past Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets in pursuit of a mammoth 213-run target. This became the first instance when a 200-plus total was chased at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in tournament history. NUMBERS GAME Most-successful IPL run-chases at Wankhede 213 - MI vs RR, April 30, 2023 198 - MI vs Punjab Kings (PBKS), 2019 196 - Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), 2022 196 - Delhi Capitals (DC) vs PBKS, 2021 Highest successful run-chases in IPL history 224 - RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020 219 - MI vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi, 2021 215 - RR vs Deccan Chargers (DC), Hyderabad, 2008 213 - MI vs RR, Mumbai WS, today 213 - Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Bengaluru, 2023 Speaking about IPL's rich history, the high-voltage MI-RR clash was a landmark fixture as it was the tournament's 1,000th match. Since the mega event's inception in 2008, it has grown by leaps and bounds. It has increased the game's overall popularity, flushed more revenue into the sport, and led to many cricketers competing with superstar international stars. In addition, IPL led to the advent of many franchise leagues across the globe (such as the Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, etc). The pace of the game has increased manifold. Thus, cricket has never been the same since IPL's commencement. Talking about the 1,000th IPL encounter, last year's runners-up RR opted to bat first and posted 212-7 riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden ton (124). In reply, MI rode on Suryakumar Yadav's 55 (29) and rapid knocks from Tilak Verma and Tim David to take their side to a much-needed win. At the start of the tournament, it was advertised that MI's upcoming away game versus arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) -- on May 06 (Saturday) in Chennai -- would count as IPL's 1,000th clash. Here's the twist: EXPLAINED: Not CSK vs MI! Why MI vs RR was counted as IPL'S 1000th game: Till IPL 2022, a total of 951 matches were held in the cash-rich league. This meant that match number 49 of the current season would be adjudged as the 1,000th game. However, in between these 951 fixtures, as many as seven matches were played which were called off with no result. Notably, not even a single ball was bowled in these seven fixtures, but all of them were declared official matches as per cricketing rules. Thus, a total of 958 official games were held till the end of the 2022 edition, making this year's 42nd match IPL's 1,000th encounter. Also Read: Mumbai Indians pull off highest successful run-chase against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede in IPL's 1000th game Speaking after MI's historic win in IPL's landmark game, captain Rohit Sharma (who was also celebrating his 36th birthday and ten years as Mumbai's captain on Sunday evening), said, "Very pleasing to see how we chased this. Last game here also we came close to a similar target. We have the ability but need to back ourselves." On David being regarded as the next Kieron Pollard, Rohit added, "Big shoes to fill, Polly for so many years won us so many championships. But Tim has so much ability and power. In the back end, having that power keeps the bowler thinking." David, who struck a magnificent 14-ball 45* and ended the game with three straight sixes in the final over, stated, "We needed a result. It is an amazing feeling, there's no better feeling than playing at the Wankhede, for our confidence. We have not played our best cricket in the last few games, so this feels good. It felt everyone (bowler) had to be targeted, in good batting conditions, and personally, I wanted to do something like this for a while." Meanwhile, a dejected Samson said, "It was kind of getting wet. It was not too wet and we were taking our time to wipe the ball. We had the experience of bowling in these conditions. We will keep focusing on the process. We will keep the focus on the controllable. We will keep fighting hard." On Jaiswal's superb knock, Samson opined, "I was expecting something special from Jaiswal. He scored 70-odd in the last game, we always thought it (hundred) is around the corner." TRAFFIC JAM IN THE POINTS TABLE Talking about the IPL 2023 points table, after match 42, there is a lot of chaos with the competition heating up for the playoffs. Last year's champions, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), occupy the first spot with 12 points from eight games. RR and CSK, who also failed to defend 201 versus PBKS on Sunday during the afternoon game, are in the third and fourth spots respectively. KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are right behind table-toppers GT in the second position. LSG, RR, and CSK have ten points each. Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in the fifth position, also with ten points, whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and MI are in the sixth and seventh spots respectively (eight points each). Lastly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have six points each, followed by Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last spot with four points.

EXPLAINED: Not CSK vs MI! Why Mumbai's home game vs RR was IPL's 1,000th match

Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are back taking on each other in IPL 2023. After Sandeep Sharma’s heroics against ‘the finisher’ MS Dhoni in the last over at Chepauk, both teams will face off for round 2 at RR’s home ground in Jaipur on Thursday night.

Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are back taking on each other in IPL 2023. After Sandeep Sharma’s heroics against ‘the finisher’ MS Dhoni in the last over at Chepauk, both teams will face off for round 2 at RR’s home ground in Jaipur on Thursday night. While CSK is on a rampage, having won their last three matches, Rajasthan has struggled to get going following a decent start to the tournament. This clash promises to bring excitement, tension, agony and joy to the table for fans from both sections. All eyes will again be on CSK’s top order that has taken this season by storm – particularly Ajinkya Rahane, who after a couple of blistering knocks, got recalled to India’s squad for the WTC final recently. Other than him, the attacking opening pair of Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad will pose a threat to RR’s bowling, while Shivam Dube would like to continue his purple patch in the middle overs. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: All-round KKR end four-match losing streak with 21-run win over Virat Kohli's RCB With Ravindra Jadeja and Dhoni there to take care of proceedings in the lower order, Chennai’s batting looks sorted. In the bowling department, the under-experienced line-up has delivered so far, and with the momentum on their side, they are likely to stand tall in this away clash as well. On the other hand, the home team has had their struggles following two famous wins over CSK and Gujarat Titans, respectively. They have since failed to chase down two totals, once against Lucknow Super Giants and then versus RCB. Moreover, Jos Buttler’s two ducks in the past three innings have mounted some worry for them. While captain Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer have delivered with the bat, not consistently though, the pair will have eyeballs on them against CSK tonight. Change in the lower order hasn’t done much good to the side, however, with bowling clicking on almost all occasions, Rajasthan will find comfort in taking on Chennai's high-flying top-order. Result Prediction Given CSK’s winning spree and how MS Dhoni has managed the side, against RR tonight, they will walk in as favourites. Both teams predicted XIs - Rajasthan Royals - Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c/wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, R Ashwin, Sandeep Sharma Adam Zampa, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal Chennai Super Kings - Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c/wk), Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Akash Singh

IPL 2023, Match 37: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings - Match preview and result prediction

After playing half their games in the league stage of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR)&nbsp;occupy the third spot with four wins from seven outings. It isn't a bad start by any means&nbsp;for the one-time winners. Under Sanju Samson, who became their captain since IPL 2021, the Royals have become a formidable force and are eyeing to play their second final on the trot, with a hope to get past the finish line this time around.&nbsp;

In the inaugural edition, in 2008, the Royals ended as the eventual champions when no one gave them&nbsp;a chance. The franchise roped in superstar Shane Warne, serving&nbsp;as the captain-cum-coach, who inspired an inexperienced squad to win the championship. The late Aussie leg-spinner had some international stars, such as Graeme Smith, Mohammed Kaif, etc., but a plethora of unknown names&nbsp;rose to the occasion in his influence.

After Warne-led RR's initial success, there was a period of lull for the Jaipur-based franchise till IPL 2012. In the 2013 edition, the 2008 winners made it to the playoffs, finished third, and even played the final of that year's Champions League (CLT20), a now-defunct tournament. Back then, RR was led by Rahul Dravid, an equally inspiring figure like Warne.&nbsp;

Post Dravid and Warne, the team was led by able readers of the game, such as Shane Watson, Steve Smith, and Ajinkya Rahane, as they enjoyed sporadic success but never came close to winning the title. From the Dravid-era till IPL 2020, Samson remained a part of the Royals' dugout -- barring 2015 and 2016 when the franchise was serving a spot-fixing ban -- and was silently groomed by&nbsp;several eminent leaders in the camp.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-as-soon-as-he-brett-lees-advice-to-mis-arjun-tendulkar-to-bowl-at-140kmph-585864">IPL 2023: 'As soon as he...': Brett Lee's advice to MI's Arjun Tendulkar to bowl at 140kmph</a>

While Samson's batting credentials made heads turn in his debut IPL season in 2013, not much was known about his leadership skills. After a dismal IPL 2020, RR team management appointed Samson as their new captain before the 2021 edition. While his team ended seventh that year, Samson didn't look like a fish out of the water. He improved in IPL 2022 and by now, RR certainly looks like a unit controlled by Samson.

Ingredients of a fabulous leader

Recently, Ravi Shastri -- former India head coach -- said on ESPNCricinfo, "You say you stamp your personality as a leader. You see that with Hardik, he calls the shots, and takes the decisions. You see that with Dhoni. He takes the decisions, there is no two ways about it, he might be right or wrong. Sanju has improved a lot. You can see that quiet confidence in his own ability and he understands his game a lot better."

Leading superstars such as Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, etc., can be intimidating. However, Samson has always looked his part and been assertive as captain. He&nbsp;remains calm behind the stumps, uses his bowlers judiciously, and does not shy away from changing plans when required. In addition, he&nbsp;does not overcommunicate; passing too many unnecessary suggestions from behind the stumps.

During RR's clash vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in Chennai, Sandeep Sharma was taken to the cleaners by MS Dhoni in the last over. With seven required off&nbsp;three balls, Samson raced from his wicketkeeping spot to just ask Sandeep about his plans.&nbsp;

"After I was hit for two sixes in the last over, Sanju and I discussed the plans on how to bowl the next 3 balls. Sanju is very calm as captain. He did not give any suggestions to me. He simply asked me about my plans for the next ball. I told him about my instincts and he backed me to bowl that. This quality is very rare in a captain in such a pressure situation," said the RR pacer.

Thus, Samson backed his experienced bowler and did not give suggestions. Rather, he just looked for ideas from his bowler and backed him to the hilt.

You will win some, you will lose some but remain unfazed

After RR's loss versus RCB, their second loss on the trot, Samson said in the dressing room, "I think it's very normal in this tournament when you have these couple of losses or you have those couple of wins, you go up and down. But the pattern and the style of our team, the style of our franchise is to stay humble when we're going high, and when we're going low, we believe in ourselves, as simple as that."

He added, "We believe in each and every one of us, believe in yourself and there is no pointing fingers, that's the rule we need to follow. In my experience, from what I've understood, the reason you end up on the losing or the winning side only is because how hungry are you there to win. How badly do you want it? Is it only because of you, is it only because you want to do it or do you want to do it for the team."

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Sanju Samson. 💗💗💗 <a href="https://t.co/fZmuYk4Wyl">pic.twitter.com/fZmuYk4Wyl</a>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1650189706603425792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-virat-kohli-fined-24-lakhs-other-rcb-players-fined-6-lakhs-for-slow-over-rate-vs-rr-585868">IPL 2023: Virat Kohli fined 24 lakhs, other RCB players fined 6 lakhs for slow over-rate vs RR</a>

Not bogged down by responsibility

Many captains get bogged down by extra responsibility or get too cautious in their primary role. However, this has not been the case with Samson. Ever since he took over as RR skipper, he has amassed over 400 runs every season. In 2021, he made 484 runs, including a ton, at 136.72. His strike rate did dip as compared to the previous edition (where he struck at 158.89) but it was still acceptable. It shot up considerably in 2022, where he scored 458 runs at 146.79. After seven games this year, he is striking at over 150 (158.77).

One does not know what fate has in store for RR in IPL 2023. Irrespective of the outcome, the Royals should be lauded for identifying a rare talent like Samson, grooming him amid several leaders, retaining him, and making him the leader in his late 20s;&nbsp;when a cricketer has matured with enough experience and past mistakes. The right-hander has shown glimpses&nbsp;of his captaincy skills and will only grow leaps and bounds if given a longer rope, which seems likely at this point.

In his book 'Coaching Beyond - My Days with the Indian Cricket Team', R Sridhar -- former India fielding coach -- revealed it was Samson (who was on the bench) who suggested Chahal feature in India's XI as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja in a T20I versus Australia in Canberra, in late 2020. Chahal ended as the Player-of-the-Match (3 for 25) in India's win.

Thus, Samson always had a knack for reading the game and being tactical. Now, he is only growing with each passing day and is destined for a bright run as captain. Is India captaincy in the reckoning? Well, only time will tell. For now, he certainly looks like a long-serving&nbsp;captain in the IPL.

After playing half their games in the league stage of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR) occupy the third spot with four wins from seven outings. It isn't a bad start by any means for the one-time winners.

After playing half their games in the league stage of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR) occupy the third spot with four wins from seven outings. It isn't a bad start by any means for the one-time winners. Under Sanju Samson, who became their captain since IPL 2021, the Royals have become a formidable force and are eyeing to play their second final on the trot, with a hope to get past the finish line this time around. In the inaugural edition, in 2008, the Royals ended as the eventual champions when no one gave them a chance. The franchise roped in superstar Shane Warne, serving as the captain-cum-coach, who inspired an inexperienced squad to win the championship. The late Aussie leg-spinner had some international stars, such as Graeme Smith, Mohammed Kaif, etc., but a plethora of unknown names rose to the occasion in his influence. After Warne-led RR's initial success, there was a period of lull for the Jaipur-based franchise till IPL 2012. In the 2013 edition, the 2008 winners made it to the playoffs, finished third, and even played the final of that year's Champions League (CLT20), a now-defunct tournament. Back then, RR was led by Rahul Dravid, an equally inspiring figure like Warne. Post Dravid and Warne, the team was led by able readers of the game, such as Shane Watson, Steve Smith, and Ajinkya Rahane, as they enjoyed sporadic success but never came close to winning the title. From the Dravid-era till IPL 2020, Samson remained a part of the Royals' dugout -- barring 2015 and 2016 when the franchise was serving a spot-fixing ban -- and was silently groomed by several eminent leaders in the camp. Also Read: IPL 2023: 'As soon as he...': Brett Lee's advice to MI's Arjun Tendulkar to bowl at 140kmph While Samson's batting credentials made heads turn in his debut IPL season in 2013, not much was known about his leadership skills. After a dismal IPL 2020, RR team management appointed Samson as their new captain before the 2021 edition. While his team ended seventh that year, Samson didn't look like a fish out of the water. He improved in IPL 2022 and by now, RR certainly looks like a unit controlled by Samson. Ingredients of a fabulous leader Recently, Ravi Shastri -- former India head coach -- said on ESPNCricinfo, "You say you stamp your personality as a leader. You see that with Hardik, he calls the shots, and takes the decisions. You see that with Dhoni. He takes the decisions, there is no two ways about it, he might be right or wrong. Sanju has improved a lot. You can see that quiet confidence in his own ability and he understands his game a lot better." Leading superstars such as Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, etc., can be intimidating. However, Samson has always looked his part and been assertive as captain. He remains calm behind the stumps, uses his bowlers judiciously, and does not shy away from changing plans when required. In addition, he does not overcommunicate; passing too many unnecessary suggestions from behind the stumps. During RR's clash vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in Chennai, Sandeep Sharma was taken to the cleaners by MS Dhoni in the last over. With seven required off three balls, Samson raced from his wicketkeeping spot to just ask Sandeep about his plans. "After I was hit for two sixes in the last over, Sanju and I discussed the plans on how to bowl the next 3 balls. Sanju is very calm as captain. He did not give any suggestions to me. He simply asked me about my plans for the next ball. I told him about my instincts and he backed me to bowl that. This quality is very rare in a captain in such a pressure situation," said the RR pacer. Thus, Samson backed his experienced bowler and did not give suggestions. Rather, he just looked for ideas from his bowler and backed him to the hilt. You will win some, you will lose some but remain unfazed After RR's loss versus RCB, their second loss on the trot, Samson said in the dressing room, "I think it's very normal in this tournament when you have these couple of losses or you have those couple of wins, you go up and down. But the pattern and the style of our team, the style of our franchise is to stay humble when we're going high, and when we're going low, we believe in ourselves, as simple as that." He added, "We believe in each and every one of us, believe in yourself and there is no pointing fingers, that's the rule we need to follow. In my experience, from what I've understood, the reason you end up on the losing or the winning side only is because how hungry are you there to win. How badly do you want it? Is it only because of you, is it only because you want to do it or do you want to do it for the team." Sanju Samson. 💗💗💗 pic.twitter.com/fZmuYk4Wyl — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 23, 2023 × Also Read: IPL 2023: Virat Kohli fined 24 lakhs, other RCB players fined 6 lakhs for slow over-rate vs RR Not bogged down by responsibility Many captains get bogged down by extra responsibility or get too cautious in their primary role. However, this has not been the case with Samson. Ever since he took over as RR skipper, he has amassed over 400 runs every season. In 2021, he made 484 runs, including a ton, at 136.72. His strike rate did dip as compared to the previous edition (where he struck at 158.89) but it was still acceptable. It shot up considerably in 2022, where he scored 458 runs at 146.79. After seven games this year, he is striking at over 150 (158.77). One does not know what fate has in store for RR in IPL 2023. Irrespective of the outcome, the Royals should be lauded for identifying a rare talent like Samson, grooming him amid several leaders, retaining him, and making him the leader in his late 20s; when a cricketer has matured with enough experience and past mistakes. The right-hander has shown glimpses of his captaincy skills and will only grow leaps and bounds if given a longer rope, which seems likely at this point. In his book 'Coaching Beyond - My Days with the Indian Cricket Team', R Sridhar -- former India fielding coach -- revealed it was Samson (who was on the bench) who suggested Chahal feature in India's XI as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja in a T20I versus Australia in Canberra, in late 2020. Chahal ended as the Player-of-the-Match (3 for 25) in India's win. Thus, Samson always had a knack for reading the game and being tactical. Now, he is only growing with each passing day and is destined for a bright run as captain. Is India captaincy in the reckoning? Well, only time will tell. For now, he certainly looks like a long-serving captain in the IPL.

Explained | IPL 2023: Why Sanju Samson is a great captain in making

Ace Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has played under a few captains in his career, be it&nbsp;under MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team or Virat Kohli in both Indian colours and in the IPL. However, when asked who is the captain in IPL he likes to play most under, Chahal named his current franchise (Rajasthan Royals) skipper Sanju Samson as his favourite, adding he is very similar to Dhoni.

After spending seven years at the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), RR picked Chahal ahead of the 2022 auction, and the leggie shined under Samson in the first season, picking up 27 wickets.&nbsp;Speaking to the Humans of Bombay, Chahal revealed the common thing between all those above-mentioned skippers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-rrs-trent-boult-traps-rcbs-virat-kohli-lbw-on-first-ball-for-a-duck-watch-585325">IPL 2023: RR's Trent Boult traps RCB's Virat Kohli LBW on first ball for a duck</a>

"I think, all three captains whom I have played under, I have gotten that liberty that a bowler requires, whether it's Mahi bhai, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. So yeah, that's the one thing I have gotten," Chahal told Humans of Bombay.

Chahal said since joining RR, he improved at least 10%, and all is because of Sanju Samson. He also added that Sanju told him to bowl however and wherever he likes in his quota of four overs, instead giving him instructions to sticking to a particular line or length.

"In IPL, Sanju Samson is definitely my favourite. I feel like he is literally very similar to Mahi bhai as like him, he is very calm and chill. The 10 per cent or whatever growth I have had as a bowler in the last year, it is all because of Sanju. He told me, ‘You have four overs, bowl whatever you want to, you are free from my side'," Chahal added.

As things stand, Chahal has 12 wickets to his name in seven matches, and even in the game against the RCB at M Chinnaswamy, he returned with figures of one for 28 in four overs.

Ace Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has played under a few captains in his career, be it under MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team or Virat Kohli in both Indian colours and in the IPL.

Ace Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has played under a few captains in his career, be it under MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team or Virat Kohli in both Indian colours and in the IPL. However, when asked who is the captain in IPL he likes to play most under, Chahal named his current franchise (Rajasthan Royals) skipper Sanju Samson as his favourite, adding he is very similar to Dhoni. After spending seven years at the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), RR picked Chahal ahead of the 2022 auction, and the leggie shined under Samson in the first season, picking up 27 wickets. Speaking to the Humans of Bombay, Chahal revealed the common thing between all those above-mentioned skippers. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: RR's Trent Boult traps RCB's Virat Kohli LBW on first ball for a duck "I think, all three captains whom I have played under, I have gotten that liberty that a bowler requires, whether it's Mahi bhai, Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. So yeah, that's the one thing I have gotten," Chahal told Humans of Bombay. Chahal said since joining RR, he improved at least 10%, and all is because of Sanju Samson. He also added that Sanju told him to bowl however and wherever he likes in his quota of four overs, instead giving him instructions to sticking to a particular line or length. "In IPL, Sanju Samson is definitely my favourite. I feel like he is literally very similar to Mahi bhai as like him, he is very calm and chill. The 10 per cent or whatever growth I have had as a bowler in the last year, it is all because of Sanju. He told me, ‘You have four overs, bowl whatever you want to, you are free from my side'," Chahal added. As things stand, Chahal has 12 wickets to his name in seven matches, and even in the game against the RCB at M Chinnaswamy, he returned with figures of one for 28 in four overs.

IPL 2023: MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli or someone else? Yuzvendra Chahal picks his favourite captain

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson led from the front as he scored 60 off 32 and his team beat the defending champions Gujarat Titans by three wickets to go top of the points table.

Sanju's innings gave Royals much needed impetus after they lost their star openers Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal inside three overs. The highlight of Captain Sam's knock, however, was three back-to-back sixes he hit off GT's gun bowler Rashid Khan.

Rashid came on to bowl the thirteenth over of the Royals' chase with Rajasthan four down for 66. Samson was playing on 29 while Shimron Hetmyer, who himself scored a belligerent 56 off 26, was just finding his groove.

Nonetheless, Hetmyer took a single of the first ball and then Captain Sam unleashed his beast mode on Rashid Khan, smacking him for three sixes in a row. Have a look at the video here:

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Attack MODE 🔛! <a href="https://twitter.com/IamSanjuSamson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IamSanjuSamson</a> took on Rashid Khan &amp; how 👌 👌 
 
Watch those 3⃣ SIXES 💪 🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTvRR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> 
 
Follow the match 👉 <a href="https://t.co/nvoo5Sl96y">https://t.co/nvoo5Sl96y</a> <a href="https://t.co/0gG3NrNJ9z">pic.twitter.com/0gG3NrNJ9z</a>
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The over somewhat changed the complexion of the game as Rajasthan eventually loosened the screws done on them by GT to win the game in the last over.

Royals, however, started terribly in the chase of 178, losing three wickets for 47 runs which soon became four down for 55 in 10.3 overs. Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer then added 59 runs for the sixth wicket before cameos from Dhruv Jurel and Ravi Ashwin ably supported Hetmyer's winning act. For GT, Mohammed Shami took 3/25 in his four overs.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-watch-3-players-collide-in-the-middle-as-trent-boult-grabs-the-craziest-caught-bowled-ever-583084">3 players collide in the middle as Trent Boult grabs the CRAZIEST caught &amp; bowled ever</a>

Earlier, GT also lost their first wicket early as Trent Boult caught Wriddhiman Saha in a chaotic display of fielding by Royals players. &nbsp;Shubman Gill and David Miller scored 45 off 34 and 46 off 30, respectively for GT while others batted around for scores in mid-twenties.

Most of the Rajasthan bowlers chipped in with wickets but Sandeep Sharma was the pick of them with 2/25 in four overs. With the win, Rajasthan Royals are now at the top of points table with eight points five matches.

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Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson led from the front as he scored 60 off 32 and his team beat the defending champions Gujarat Titans by three wickets to go top of the points table.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson led from the front as he scored 60 off 32 and his team beat the defending champions Gujarat Titans by three wickets to go top of the points table. Sanju's innings gave Royals much needed impetus after they lost their star openers Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal inside three overs. The highlight of Captain Sam's knock, however, was three back-to-back sixes he hit off GT's gun bowler Rashid Khan. Rashid came on to bowl the thirteenth over of the Royals' chase with Rajasthan four down for 66. Samson was playing on 29 while Shimron Hetmyer, who himself scored a belligerent 56 off 26, was just finding his groove. Nonetheless, Hetmyer took a single of the first ball and then Captain Sam unleashed his beast mode on Rashid Khan, smacking him for three sixes in a row. Have a look at the video here: Attack MODE 🔛! @IamSanjuSamson took on Rashid Khan & how 👌 👌 Watch those 3⃣ SIXES 💪 🔽 #TATAIPL | #GTvRR | @rajasthanroyals Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/nvoo5Sl96y pic.twitter.com/0gG3NrNJ9z — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2023 × The over somewhat changed the complexion of the game as Rajasthan eventually loosened the screws done on them by GT to win the game in the last over. Royals, however, started terribly in the chase of 178, losing three wickets for 47 runs which soon became four down for 55 in 10.3 overs. Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer then added 59 runs for the sixth wicket before cameos from Dhruv Jurel and Ravi Ashwin ably supported Hetmyer's winning act. For GT, Mohammed Shami took 3/25 in his four overs. Also Watch: 3 players collide in the middle as Trent Boult grabs the CRAZIEST caught & bowled ever Earlier, GT also lost their first wicket early as Trent Boult caught Wriddhiman Saha in a chaotic display of fielding by Royals players. Shubman Gill and David Miller scored 45 off 34 and 46 off 30, respectively for GT while others batted around for scores in mid-twenties. Most of the Rajasthan bowlers chipped in with wickets but Sandeep Sharma was the pick of them with 2/25 in four overs. With the win, Rajasthan Royals are now at the top of points table with eight points five matches. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: RR's Captain Sam hits three consecutive sixes off GT's Rashid Khan - WATCH

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out thrilling contests with each passing day. In match 23, the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) locked horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (April 16). Having a 3-0 lead over the Royals, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat aimed to continue their winning streak over last year's finalists but Sanju Samson &amp; Co. emerged on top by three wickets in a tight contest.

In a high-voltage encounter, RR opted to bowl first and restricted Gujarat to 177 for 7. Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, returning with 2 for 25 whereas the likes of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharshan, Abhinav Manohar, Hardik and David Miller got starts to take their side to a competitive score. In reply, RR were 47 for 3 and 55 for 4 before Sanju Samson (32-ball 60) and Shimron Hetymer's unbeaten 56 off 26 balls propelled their side to a stunning three-wicket win on the final over. When RR was reeling early in the run-chase, captain Hardik tried to get into the skin of his counterpart Samson by sledging.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-dont-you-ever-dc-coach-ricky-ponting-to-kuldeep-yadav-after-loss-vs-rcb-583286">IPL 2023: 'Don't you ever...:' - DC coach Ricky Ponting to Kuldeep Yadav after loss vs RCB</a>

The video of Hardik trying to sledge Samson went viral in no time. Here's how Samson reacted to Gujarat captain's sledging:

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After a poor start, RR captain Samson exploded by hitting three successive sixes off Rashid Khan in the 13th over. While he fellf for a well-made 60, Hetymer took upon himself to take his side past the finish line whereas the likes of Dhruv Jurel (10-ball 18) and R Ashwin (3-ball 10) played their part as well with timely hits.

At the post-match presentation, Samson said, "When you play quality opponents on a quality wicket, you get such games. Very happy to compete in such a game and come out on top. It was important to rotate our bowlers, they were playing some quality cricket and we had to respect that. The whole team came up well today and we could restrict them to around 170. The start we had, it shows how good a wicket this was. The new ball the quality of swing bowling was good and we had to respect that. But today Zampa coming was a way to match-up with the opponents. He was the match-up for Miller and almost got the wicket, but the catch was dropped. (On Hetmyer) He doesn't like easy situations, we like putting him in such situations because he usually wins us games from such situations."

RR remain at the top after their win over GT, having eight points from five games.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out thrilling contests with each passing day. In match 23, the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) locked horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (April 16).

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out thrilling contests with each passing day. In match 23, the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) locked horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday (April 16). Having a 3-0 lead over the Royals, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat aimed to continue their winning streak over last year's finalists but Sanju Samson & Co. emerged on top by three wickets in a tight contest. In a high-voltage encounter, RR opted to bowl first and restricted Gujarat to 177 for 7. Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, returning with 2 for 25 whereas the likes of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharshan, Abhinav Manohar, Hardik and David Miller got starts to take their side to a competitive score. In reply, RR were 47 for 3 and 55 for 4 before Sanju Samson (32-ball 60) and Shimron Hetymer's unbeaten 56 off 26 balls propelled their side to a stunning three-wicket win on the final over. When RR was reeling early in the run-chase, captain Hardik tried to get into the skin of his counterpart Samson by sledging. Also Read: IPL 2023: 'Don't you ever...:' - DC coach Ricky Ponting to Kuldeep Yadav after loss vs RCB The video of Hardik trying to sledge Samson went viral in no time. Here's how Samson reacted to Gujarat captain's sledging: pic.twitter.com/CJNw82UxPt — Cricbaaz (@cricbaaz21) April 16, 2023 × After a poor start, RR captain Samson exploded by hitting three successive sixes off Rashid Khan in the 13th over. While he fellf for a well-made 60, Hetymer took upon himself to take his side past the finish line whereas the likes of Dhruv Jurel (10-ball 18) and R Ashwin (3-ball 10) played their part as well with timely hits. At the post-match presentation, Samson said, "When you play quality opponents on a quality wicket, you get such games. Very happy to compete in such a game and come out on top. It was important to rotate our bowlers, they were playing some quality cricket and we had to respect that. The whole team came up well today and we could restrict them to around 170. The start we had, it shows how good a wicket this was. The new ball the quality of swing bowling was good and we had to respect that. But today Zampa coming was a way to match-up with the opponents. He was the match-up for Miller and almost got the wicket, but the catch was dropped. (On Hetmyer) He doesn't like easy situations, we like putting him in such situations because he usually wins us games from such situations." RR remain at the top after their win over GT, having eight points from five games.

IPL 2023: Hardik Pandya tries to sledge Sanju Samson during GT vs RR tie, video goes viral  - WATCH

Rajasthan Royals, chasing 178 against Gujarat Giants, were in a spot of bother with four down for 55 in 11th over of their chase. It was then their skipper Sanju Samson who took the charge and got the team into a position from where Shimron Hetmyer won it for the Royals.

Praising Captain Sam, Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara said that whenever he's in the game, anything is possible. Sanga made a small speech in the dressing room after Royals won by three wickets to go on top of the table.

"Skipper, you not just got us through the powerplay but that Rashid Khan over, and then you kicked on from there, that was the game changer. Their best bowler, some say the best T20 spinner in the world, was completely caught off-guard. It just goes to show that when you’re in the game, anything is possible. Whether it’s Rashid Khan, Shane Warne, or Muralitharan. It doesn’t matter when we are in the game. We play the ball, not the man. Brilliantly done", said Sangakkara. Have a look at the video here:

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Play the ball, not the man! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/C2CvL25mor">pic.twitter.com/C2CvL25mor</a>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1647697630393434112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Sanju's innings gave Royals much needed impetus after they lost their star openers Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal inside three overs. The highlight of Captain Sam's knock, however, was three back-to-back sixes he hit off GT's gun bowler Rashid Khan.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-nitish-rana-hrithik-shokeen-fight-during-kkr-vs-mi-watch-583198">Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen get into ugly verbal spat during KKR vs MI&nbsp;</a>

Rashid came on to bowl the thirteenth over of the Royals' chase with Rajasthan four down for 66. Hetmyer took a single of the first ball and then Captain Sam unleashed his beast mode on Rashid Khan, smacking him for three sixes in a row.

Earlier, GT also lost their first wicket early as Trent Boult caught Wriddhiman Saha in a chaotic display of fielding by Royals players. &nbsp;Shubman Gill and David Miller scored 45 off 34 and 46 off 30, respectively for GT while others batted around for scores in mid-twenties to set up 177/6 in 20 overs.

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Rajasthan Royals, chasing 178 against Gujarat Giants, were in a spot of bother with four down for 55 in 11th over of their chase. It was then their skipper Sanju Samson who took the charge and got the team into a position from where Shimron Hetmyer won it for the Royals.

Rajasthan Royals, chasing 178 against Gujarat Giants, were in a spot of bother with four down for 55 in 11th over of their chase. It was then their skipper Sanju Samson who took the charge and got the team into a position from where Shimron Hetmyer won it for the Royals. Praising Captain Sam, Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara said that whenever he's in the game, anything is possible. Sanga made a small speech in the dressing room after Royals won by three wickets to go on top of the table. "Skipper, you not just got us through the powerplay but that Rashid Khan over, and then you kicked on from there, that was the game changer. Their best bowler, some say the best T20 spinner in the world, was completely caught off-guard. It just goes to show that when you’re in the game, anything is possible. Whether it’s Rashid Khan, Shane Warne, or Muralitharan. It doesn’t matter when we are in the game. We play the ball, not the man. Brilliantly done", said Sangakkara. Have a look at the video here: Play the ball, not the man! 💪 pic.twitter.com/C2CvL25mor — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 16, 2023 × Sanju's innings gave Royals much needed impetus after they lost their star openers Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal inside three overs. The highlight of Captain Sam's knock, however, was three back-to-back sixes he hit off GT's gun bowler Rashid Khan. Also Watch: Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen get into ugly verbal spat during KKR vs MI Rashid came on to bowl the thirteenth over of the Royals' chase with Rajasthan four down for 66. Hetmyer took a single of the first ball and then Captain Sam unleashed his beast mode on Rashid Khan, smacking him for three sixes in a row. Earlier, GT also lost their first wicket early as Trent Boult caught Wriddhiman Saha in a chaotic display of fielding by Royals players. Shubman Gill and David Miller scored 45 off 34 and 46 off 30, respectively for GT while others batted around for scores in mid-twenties to set up 177/6 in 20 overs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara praises Captain Sam in dressing room speech - WATCH

Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer staged a comeback for the ages to help their team chase 180 in the final over against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Both scored fifties, and with handy contributions from the lower order, managed to finally beat GT in the IPL.

After electing to bowl first, Rajasthan Royals picked up GT’s opener Wriddhiman Saha, courtesy of one of the craziest caught &amp; bowled catches ever witnessed in this tournament. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill got things going for the hosts, but following confusion in the middle, Sai got run out on 20.

Captain Hardik Pandya and Gill then stitched a 50-plus partnership that saw both batters hitting several boundaries. Yuzvendra Chahal then provided RR with a breakthrough in Hardik that brought the game-changer for the night for Gujarat, David Miller at the crease.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-watch-3-players-collide-in-the-middle-as-trent-boult-grabs-the-craziest-caught-bowled-ever-583084">IPL 2023: WATCH - 3 players collide in the middle as Trent Boult grabs the CRAZIEST caught &amp; bowled ever</a>

Gill, who is among runs this season, fell shy of his fifty by five runs. Abhinav Manohar and Miller upped the ante with smoky blows, as RR didn’t look like having answers in most shots they played. Miller’s show, in the end, ensured GT posted a fighting 177 on the board in 20 overs.

A batting-heavy Rajasthan side looked clueless against Shami and Hardik, who made the ball do all the talking. Swing and seam movement troubled the RR top order as they lost two wickets inside the Powerplay.

Sanju Samson and Devdutt Padikkal deployed a cautious approach, keeping an eye on the rising required rate on the other hand. A hat trick taker this season – Rashid Khan picked two quick wickets to further out RR’s back against the ball, but also conceded three successive sixes in this third over to captain Samson.

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Attack MODE 🔛! <a href="https://twitter.com/IamSanjuSamson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IamSanjuSamson</a> took on Rashid Khan &amp; how 👌 👌 
 
Watch those 3⃣ SIXES 💪 🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GTvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTvRR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> 
 
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Hetmyer also joined Samson and hit his compatriot Alzarri Joseph for a couple of boundaries in the following over. Sanju then went after GT’s impact player - Noor Ahmad, but sadly got out to him. Left-handed Hetmyer didn’t drop his guard and kept Rajasthan in the chase.

While Dhruv Jurel and Ravi Ashwin contributed with crucial fours and sixes in the second-last over, both fell prey to Shami, leaving Hetmyer to go for the win in the last one.

The stylish West Indian not only completed his fifty, but also hunted down the target with a six off Noor Ahmad.

Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer staged a comeback for the ages to help their team chase 180 in the final over against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer staged a comeback for the ages to help their team chase 180 in the final over against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Both scored fifties, and with handy contributions from the lower order, managed to finally beat GT in the IPL. After electing to bowl first, Rajasthan Royals picked up GT’s opener Wriddhiman Saha, courtesy of one of the craziest caught & bowled catches ever witnessed in this tournament. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill got things going for the hosts, but following confusion in the middle, Sai got run out on 20. Captain Hardik Pandya and Gill then stitched a 50-plus partnership that saw both batters hitting several boundaries. Yuzvendra Chahal then provided RR with a breakthrough in Hardik that brought the game-changer for the night for Gujarat, David Miller at the crease. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: WATCH - 3 players collide in the middle as Trent Boult grabs the CRAZIEST caught & bowled ever Gill, who is among runs this season, fell shy of his fifty by five runs. Abhinav Manohar and Miller upped the ante with smoky blows, as RR didn’t look like having answers in most shots they played. Miller’s show, in the end, ensured GT posted a fighting 177 on the board in 20 overs. A batting-heavy Rajasthan side looked clueless against Shami and Hardik, who made the ball do all the talking. Swing and seam movement troubled the RR top order as they lost two wickets inside the Powerplay. Sanju Samson and Devdutt Padikkal deployed a cautious approach, keeping an eye on the rising required rate on the other hand. A hat trick taker this season – Rashid Khan picked two quick wickets to further out RR’s back against the ball, but also conceded three successive sixes in this third over to captain Samson. Attack MODE 🔛! @IamSanjuSamson took on Rashid Khan & how 👌 👌 Watch those 3⃣ SIXES 💪 🔽 #TATAIPL | #GTvRR | @rajasthanroyals Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/nvoo5Sl96y pic.twitter.com/0gG3NrNJ9z — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2023 × Hetmyer also joined Samson and hit his compatriot Alzarri Joseph for a couple of boundaries in the following over. Sanju then went after GT’s impact player - Noor Ahmad, but sadly got out to him. Left-handed Hetmyer didn’t drop his guard and kept Rajasthan in the chase. While Dhruv Jurel and Ravi Ashwin contributed with crucial fours and sixes in the second-last over, both fell prey to Shami, leaving Hetmyer to go for the win in the last one. The stylish West Indian not only completed his fifty, but also hunted down the target with a six off Noor Ahmad.

IPL 2023: Samson, Hetmyer stage a comeback for the ages to help Rajasthan stun Gujarat in tense chase

After leading Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a three-run win over his former franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023, on Wednesday (April 12), R Ashwin was fined 25 per cent of his match fees for breaching IPL Code of Conduct. Ashwin, who was awarded the Player-of-the-Match for his 30 (22) and 2 for 25 (4) in Chennai,&nbsp;criticised select decisions made by the umpires in the ongoing season and, thus, paid a heavy price for it.

'Some of the decisions&nbsp;have left me a little flummoxed'

After the match, Ashwin said, "I'm quite surprised the umpires changed the ball for dew on their own. It's never happened before and I'm quite surprised." He added, "Some of the decisions in this year's IPL on the field have left me a little flummoxed, to be honest. It left me flummoxed in a good or bad way because what you need is a little bit of balance. We're going as a bowling team and we're not asking for the ball to be changed. But the ball was changed on the umpire's accord. What reason - I did ask the umpire but he said we can change it.

“So I hope every time there's dew they can change it - every single time going forward in this IPL. You can do whatever you want but you need to be standard," Ashwin concluded.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-youre-never-safe-with-ms-dhoni-sanju-samson-reacts-rrs-close-win-over-csk-582112">IPL 2023: 'You're never safe with MS Dhoni'- Sanju Samson reacts after RR's close win over CSK</a>

For his comments, Ashwin admitted to the Level 1 Offence under Article 2.7 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. It is to be noted that&nbsp;Article 2.7 states, "Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in a Match or any Player, Team Official, Match Official or Team participating in any Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made."

In addition, RR captain Sanju Samson was penalised with&nbsp;INR 12 crore fine for his side's slow over-rate in their defence of 176 vs CSK. Being asked to bat first, RR posted 175-8 and restricted MS Dhoni's CSK for 172 for 6 to win by three runs and top the points table.

After leading Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a three-run win over his former franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023, on Wednesday (April 12), R Ashwin was fined 25 per cent of his match fees for breaching IPL Code of Conduct.

After leading Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a three-run win over his former franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2023, on Wednesday (April 12), R Ashwin was fined 25 per cent of his match fees for breaching IPL Code of Conduct. Ashwin, who was awarded the Player-of-the-Match for his 30 (22) and 2 for 25 (4) in Chennai, criticised select decisions made by the umpires in the ongoing season and, thus, paid a heavy price for it. 'Some of the decisions have left me a little flummoxed' After the match, Ashwin said, "I'm quite surprised the umpires changed the ball for dew on their own. It's never happened before and I'm quite surprised." He added, "Some of the decisions in this year's IPL on the field have left me a little flummoxed, to be honest. It left me flummoxed in a good or bad way because what you need is a little bit of balance. We're going as a bowling team and we're not asking for the ball to be changed. But the ball was changed on the umpire's accord. What reason - I did ask the umpire but he said we can change it. “So I hope every time there's dew they can change it - every single time going forward in this IPL. You can do whatever you want but you need to be standard," Ashwin concluded. Also Read: IPL 2023: 'You're never safe with MS Dhoni'- Sanju Samson reacts after RR's close win over CSK For his comments, Ashwin admitted to the Level 1 Offence under Article 2.7 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. It is to be noted that Article 2.7 states, "Public criticism of, or inappropriate comment in relation to an incident occurring in a Match or any Player, Team Official, Match Official or Team participating in any Match, irrespective of when such criticism or inappropriate comment is made." In addition, RR captain Sanju Samson was penalised with INR 12 crore fine for his side's slow over-rate in their defence of 176 vs CSK. Being asked to bat first, RR posted 175-8 and restricted MS Dhoni's CSK for 172 for 6 to win by three runs and top the points table.

IPL 2023: R Ashwin fined 25% of match fees after RR's narrow win over CSK! Here's why

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson is fined INR 12 lakhs (USD 14,643.43) for maintaining a slow over-rate against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday night at Chepauk.&nbsp;

“As it was the team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, captain Sanju Samson was fined Rs 12 lakhs,” read an IPL media advisory.

This slow over-rate is turning out to be an issue for the IPL teams as the games are getting stretched beyond the four-hour mark. Earlier, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis also got fined for the same offence against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-match-18th-punjab-kings-vs-gujarat-titans-match-preview-and-result-prediction-581989">IPL 2023, Match 18th: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans - Match preview and result prediction</a>

Meanwhile, the game against CSK went till the last over, where Sandeep Sharma denied MS Dhoni a boundary off the final ball to help his team win the first match at the venue since 2008. With 40 runs required off the two remaining overs, Rajasthan looked likely to win, but Dhoni and Jadeja had different plans.

Following an expensive 19th over, where Jadeja smashed Jason Holder for 19 runs, including two sixes and a four, MS Dhoni tore apart Sandeep's confidence with two consecutive flat sixes in the final over.&nbsp;With those daddy-hits, the equation was down to seven off three balls.

Sandeep then produced three magnificent Yorkers to deny the greatest finisher of the game yet another fairytale ending in the IPL. This victory meant a lot to both, Sanju and the Rajasthan side, who are aiming for their second trophy.&nbsp;

Earlier, Chennai won the toss and elected to bowl first. Rajasthan lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but yet another fifty from Jos Buttler and 30s from Padikkal, Hetmyer and Ravi Ashwin ensured Rajasthan posted a fighting total (175 for eight) on the board.

CSK lost Ruturaj early as well, while Devon Conway completed his fifty. Last-match's hero Ajinkya Rahane continued with his good form, hitting a 19-ball 31. Four quick wickets in the middle order dented CSK's momentum that saw them lagging behind in the end by three runs.&nbsp;

While Rajasthan will next face neighbours Gujarat on Sunday, Chennai will take on rivals Bangalore in an away clash on Monday.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson is fined INR 12 lakhs (USD 14,643.43) for maintaining a slow over-rate against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday night at Chepauk.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson is fined INR 12 lakhs (USD 14,643.43) for maintaining a slow over-rate against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday night at Chepauk. “As it was the team’s first offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offences, captain Sanju Samson was fined Rs 12 lakhs,” read an IPL media advisory. This slow over-rate is turning out to be an issue for the IPL teams as the games are getting stretched beyond the four-hour mark. Earlier, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis also got fined for the same offence against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). ALSO READ: IPL 2023, Match 18th: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans - Match preview and result prediction Meanwhile, the game against CSK went till the last over, where Sandeep Sharma denied MS Dhoni a boundary off the final ball to help his team win the first match at the venue since 2008. With 40 runs required off the two remaining overs, Rajasthan looked likely to win, but Dhoni and Jadeja had different plans. Following an expensive 19th over, where Jadeja smashed Jason Holder for 19 runs, including two sixes and a four, MS Dhoni tore apart Sandeep's confidence with two consecutive flat sixes in the final over. With those daddy-hits, the equation was down to seven off three balls. Sandeep then produced three magnificent Yorkers to deny the greatest finisher of the game yet another fairytale ending in the IPL. This victory meant a lot to both, Sanju and the Rajasthan side, who are aiming for their second trophy. Earlier, Chennai won the toss and elected to bowl first. Rajasthan lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early, but yet another fifty from Jos Buttler and 30s from Padikkal, Hetmyer and Ravi Ashwin ensured Rajasthan posted a fighting total (175 for eight) on the board. CSK lost Ruturaj early as well, while Devon Conway completed his fifty. Last-match's hero Ajinkya Rahane continued with his good form, hitting a 19-ball 31. Four quick wickets in the middle order dented CSK's momentum that saw them lagging behind in the end by three runs. While Rajasthan will next face neighbours Gujarat on Sunday, Chennai will take on rivals Bangalore in an away clash on Monday.

IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson fined for maintaining slow over-rate against CSK

Rajasthan Royals bowler Trent Boult once again delivered a double-wicket maiden as he dismissed Delhi Capitals' Prithvi Shaw and Manish Pandey off successive balls. This is the second time in three matches that Boult has bowled a double-wicket maiden in IPL 2023.

Chasing a target of 200, DC subbed in Prithvi Shaw for Khaleel Ahmed as Impact Player but Shaw failed to score a single run and was caught by RR skipper Samson behind the wicket. The catch itself was a blinder and with the latest failure, Shaw is now under a lot of pressure to come good. Have a look at his wicket here:

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How about THAT for a start! 🤯 
 
WHAT. A. CATCH from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RR</a> skipper ⚡️⚡️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DC</a> lose Impact Player Prithvi Shaw and Manish Pandey in the first over! 
 
Follow the match ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/FLjLINwRJC">https://t.co/FLjLINwRJC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RRvDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RRvDC</a> <a href="https://t.co/rpOzCFrWdQ">pic.twitter.com/rpOzCFrWdQ</a>
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Manish Pandey came to the crease to replace Shaw and lasted just one ball as Boult trapped him LBW. DC skipper Warner, however, cajoled Pandey into taking a review but to no use. The next batsman, Rilee Rossouw, was dismissed almost too as the ball just moved past his outside edge.

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-rrs-jaiswal-rips-apart-dcs-khaeel-hits-five-fours-in-first-over-580419">RR's Jaiswal rips apart DC's Khaleel, hits five fours in first over</a>

Rossouw played the last ball from Boult with much deserved respect as the bowler walked away after putting his team on top. Earlier, DC won the toss and put Rajasthan in to bat first. The decision from Warner proved to be wrong instantly as Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal ripped apart DC's Khaleel Ahmed for five fours in the first over itself.

Jaiswal's opening partner Buttler too joined the party in the second over as he smashed Capitals' South African pacer Anrich Nortje for three fours in the over, taking Rajasthan to 32 in two overs with all runs coming in boundaries - eight to be precise. Both Jaiswal and Buttler scored a fifty each - 60 off 31 and 79 off 51, respectively.

Apart from the openers, Shimron Hetmyer played a nice cameo of 39 not out off 21 as Rajasthan finished 199/4 in their 20 overs. For DC, Mukesh Kumar took wickets while Rovman Powell and spinner Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one each.

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Rajasthan Royals bowler Trent Boult once again delivered a double-wicket maiden as he dismissed Delhi Capitals' Prithvi Shaw and Manish Pandey off successive balls.

Rajasthan Royals bowler Trent Boult once again delivered a double-wicket maiden as he dismissed Delhi Capitals' Prithvi Shaw and Manish Pandey off successive balls. This is the second time in three matches that Boult has bowled a double-wicket maiden in IPL 2023. Chasing a target of 200, DC subbed in Prithvi Shaw for Khaleel Ahmed as Impact Player but Shaw failed to score a single run and was caught by RR skipper Samson behind the wicket. The catch itself was a blinder and with the latest failure, Shaw is now under a lot of pressure to come good. Have a look at his wicket here: How about THAT for a start! 🤯 WHAT. A. CATCH from the #RR skipper ⚡️⚡️#DC lose Impact Player Prithvi Shaw and Manish Pandey in the first over! Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/FLjLINwRJC#TATAIPL | #RRvDC pic.twitter.com/rpOzCFrWdQ — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 8, 2023 × Manish Pandey came to the crease to replace Shaw and lasted just one ball as Boult trapped him LBW. DC skipper Warner, however, cajoled Pandey into taking a review but to no use. The next batsman, Rilee Rossouw, was dismissed almost too as the ball just moved past his outside edge. Also Watch: RR's Jaiswal rips apart DC's Khaleel, hits five fours in first over Rossouw played the last ball from Boult with much deserved respect as the bowler walked away after putting his team on top. Earlier, DC won the toss and put Rajasthan in to bat first. The decision from Warner proved to be wrong instantly as Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal ripped apart DC's Khaleel Ahmed for five fours in the first over itself. Jaiswal's opening partner Buttler too joined the party in the second over as he smashed Capitals' South African pacer Anrich Nortje for three fours in the over, taking Rajasthan to 32 in two overs with all runs coming in boundaries - eight to be precise. Both Jaiswal and Buttler scored a fifty each - 60 off 31 and 79 off 51, respectively. Apart from the openers, Shimron Hetmyer played a nice cameo of 39 not out off 21 as Rajasthan finished 199/4 in their 20 overs. For DC, Mukesh Kumar took wickets while Rovman Powell and spinner Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with one each. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: RR's Samson takes SCREMAER to dismiss DC's Shaw as Boult bowls double-wicket maiden again - WATCH

Appreciating Sanju Samson for the brilliant captaincy of Rajasthan Royals and his cool composure, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said that if the right-handed batter continues to put up some good shows for Team India in the coming years, he will not be surprised to see him as the captain of Playing eleven in the next one or two years.

Samson has recently become the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals in all T20s. In the ongoing game against Punjab Kings, Samson, chasing a total of 198, amassed 42(25), smashing five fours and a solitary six. Samson is the only second captain to lead Rajasthan Royals to the finale in the last season.

Complimenting Sanju Samson's brilliant captaincy, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said Sanju Samson is an incredible player, but as a captaincy, it is his it is cool composure that always stands out. He never seems to be fussed by anything, and as a captain, that is a good sign.

AB de Villiers said, "But I think he's got all the credentials to be a wonderful captain. Who knows, possibly even one day in a year or two or three's time, in one of the formats in the India team, he could very easily be the captain there, and I think it will do his cricket the world of good. If he can stay as captain for long periods, I think he's going to go places with it."

According to de Villiers, if the right-handed batter continues to put up some good shows for Team India in the coming years, he will not be surprised to see him as the captain of Team 11 in the next one or two years.

Suffice to say, Sanju has completely blended into his role as a captain proving himself as one of the best 'Young Captains' India has ever seen.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-match-10-lucknow-super-giants-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-match-preview-and-result-prediction-579981">IPL 2023, Match 10, Lucknow Super Giants vs SunRisers Hyderabad - Match preview and result prediction</a>

In 118 matches for Rajasthan Royals, Samson has scored 3,138 runs at an average of 30.46 making him the leading run-scorer for his franchise. He has scored two centuries and 18 fifties for his side, with the best score of 119. His runs have come at a strike rate of 137.99.

Samson has overtaken Ajinkya Rahane, another India middle-order batter who has played for RR. In 106 matches for RR, he has scored 3,098 runs at an average of 35.60. He scored two centuries and 21 fifties for the side with the best score of 105*.

Other notable run-scorers for RR include Shane Watson (2,474 runs in 84 matches with two tons and 14 fifties), Jos Buttler (2,377 runs in 60 matches with five tons and 15 fifties) and Rahul Dravid (1,324 runs in 52 matches with seven fifties).

Samson in his entire IPL career, having represented Delhi Capitals besides RR, has scored 3,623 runs in 140 matches at an average of 29.45 with three tons and 18 fifties and the best score of 119. He is the 17th-highest run-scorer in IPL history.

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Appreciating Sanju Samson for the brilliant captaincy of Rajasthan Royals and his cool composure, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said that if the right-handed batter continues to put up some good shows for Team India in the coming years, he will not be surprised to see him as the captain of Playing eleven in the next one or two years.

Appreciating Sanju Samson for the brilliant captaincy of Rajasthan Royals and his cool composure, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said that if the right-handed batter continues to put up some good shows for Team India in the coming years, he will not be surprised to see him as the captain of Playing eleven in the next one or two years. Samson has recently become the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals in all T20s. In the ongoing game against Punjab Kings, Samson, chasing a total of 198, amassed 42(25), smashing five fours and a solitary six. Samson is the only second captain to lead Rajasthan Royals to the finale in the last season. Complimenting Sanju Samson's brilliant captaincy, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said Sanju Samson is an incredible player, but as a captaincy, it is his it is cool composure that always stands out. He never seems to be fussed by anything, and as a captain, that is a good sign. AB de Villiers said, "But I think he's got all the credentials to be a wonderful captain. Who knows, possibly even one day in a year or two or three's time, in one of the formats in the India team, he could very easily be the captain there, and I think it will do his cricket the world of good. If he can stay as captain for long periods, I think he's going to go places with it." According to de Villiers, if the right-handed batter continues to put up some good shows for Team India in the coming years, he will not be surprised to see him as the captain of Team 11 in the next one or two years. Suffice to say, Sanju has completely blended into his role as a captain proving himself as one of the best 'Young Captains' India has ever seen. ALSO READ | IPL 2023, Match 10, Lucknow Super Giants vs SunRisers Hyderabad - Match preview and result prediction In 118 matches for Rajasthan Royals, Samson has scored 3,138 runs at an average of 30.46 making him the leading run-scorer for his franchise. He has scored two centuries and 18 fifties for his side, with the best score of 119. His runs have come at a strike rate of 137.99. Samson has overtaken Ajinkya Rahane, another India middle-order batter who has played for RR. In 106 matches for RR, he has scored 3,098 runs at an average of 35.60. He scored two centuries and 21 fifties for the side with the best score of 105*. Other notable run-scorers for RR include Shane Watson (2,474 runs in 84 matches with two tons and 14 fifties), Jos Buttler (2,377 runs in 60 matches with five tons and 15 fifties) and Rahul Dravid (1,324 runs in 52 matches with seven fifties). Samson in his entire IPL career, having represented Delhi Capitals besides RR, has scored 3,623 runs in 140 matches at an average of 29.45 with three tons and 18 fifties and the best score of 119. He is the 17th-highest run-scorer in IPL history. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: RCB legend AB de Villiers backs Sanju Samson's leadership quality, says 'Samson may lead India soon'

Rajasthan Royals will miss star batter Jos Buttler for their next match against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, as per the latest reports. Against Punjab Kings on Wednesday night, RR's Jos Buttler, while grabbing Shahrukh&nbsp;Khan's catch, injured his finger, for which he had to get multiple stitches; and because of this only he didn’t open, and Ravi Ashwin was sent instead.

Speaking after yet another close contest between both these sides at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, RR captain Sanju Samson revealed that Buttler was unfit and received stitches after taking the catch.

“Jos was not fit. He was getting stitches for his finger after the catch,” said Samson after the match, which Rajasthan Royals lost by five runs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-buttlers-reaction-goes-viral-after-ashwin-leaves-dhawan-with-a-warning-at-non-strikers-end-watch-579675">IPL 2023: Buttler's reaction goes viral after Ashwin leaves Dhawan with a warning at non-striker's end - Watch</a>

Even during Rajasthan’s innings, Buttler came one down and struck a six and a boundary before he got out caught and bowled by Nathan Ellis on 19 off 11 balls.&nbsp;

Playing on their secondary home ground, Rajasthan won the toss and asked Punjab to bat first. New opening pair in Prabhsimran Singh and captain Shikhar Dhawan wreaked havoc, hitting 90 runs for the first-wicket stand. While wickets tumbled quickly after that, veteran Dhawan held one end and kept scoring at will. Meanwhile, he also completed his 50th fifty plus score in IPL, equalling Virat Kohli’s record.

Courtesy for a proper batting show, Punjab scored a mammoth 197 for four in 20 overs.

Royals, who were coming off a great win over SunRisers Hyderabad, didn’t start well and lost two wickets inside the first four overs. Buttler also departed inside the Powerplay, leaving Royals in hot waters. The middle-order also tried bailing the side out of trouble, but with controlled bowling, Punjab remained ahead in the game.

However, the game-changing moment came during the fag end when Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer unleashed the attack to the opposition but eventually failed to cross the line as they lost the match by five runs.

Rajasthan Royals will now face Delhi Capitals on Saturday.

Rajasthan Royals will miss star batter Jos Buttler for their next match against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, as per the latest reports. Against Punjab Kings on Wednesday night, RR's Jos Buttler, while grabbing Shahrukh Khan's catch, injured his finger, for which he had to get multiple stitches; and because of this only he didn’t open, and Ravi Ashwin was sent instead.

Rajasthan Royals will miss star batter Jos Buttler for their next match against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023, as per the latest reports. Against Punjab Kings on Wednesday night, RR's Jos Buttler, while grabbing Shahrukh Khan's catch, injured his finger, for which he had to get multiple stitches; and because of this only he didn’t open, and Ravi Ashwin was sent instead. Speaking after yet another close contest between both these sides at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, RR captain Sanju Samson revealed that Buttler was unfit and received stitches after taking the catch. “Jos was not fit. He was getting stitches for his finger after the catch,” said Samson after the match, which Rajasthan Royals lost by five runs. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: Buttler's reaction goes viral after Ashwin leaves Dhawan with a warning at non-striker's end - Watch Even during Rajasthan’s innings, Buttler came one down and struck a six and a boundary before he got out caught and bowled by Nathan Ellis on 19 off 11 balls. Playing on their secondary home ground, Rajasthan won the toss and asked Punjab to bat first. New opening pair in Prabhsimran Singh and captain Shikhar Dhawan wreaked havoc, hitting 90 runs for the first-wicket stand. While wickets tumbled quickly after that, veteran Dhawan held one end and kept scoring at will. Meanwhile, he also completed his 50th fifty plus score in IPL, equalling Virat Kohli’s record. Courtesy for a proper batting show, Punjab scored a mammoth 197 for four in 20 overs. Royals, who were coming off a great win over SunRisers Hyderabad, didn’t start well and lost two wickets inside the first four overs. Buttler also departed inside the Powerplay, leaving Royals in hot waters. The middle-order also tried bailing the side out of trouble, but with controlled bowling, Punjab remained ahead in the game. However, the game-changing moment came during the fag end when Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer unleashed the attack to the opposition but eventually failed to cross the line as they lost the match by five runs. Rajasthan Royals will now face Delhi Capitals on Saturday.

IPL 2023: Big blow to Rajasthan Royals as Jos Buttler set to miss Delhi Capitals clash - Reports

On Sunday (April 02), the second doubleheader of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition took place with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) taking on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Hyderabad, followed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) hosting Mumbai Indians (MI) in Bengaluru in the evening clash. Hosting the last year's runners-up Sanju Samson-led RR, the new-look SRH fell flat and lost by 72 runs.

Notrhing clicked for the Orange Army, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in regular captain Aiden Markram's absence. Opting to bowl first, the 2016 champions conceded 203 for 5 with RR's top three, Jos Buttler 54 (22), Yashasvi Jaiswal (54) and skipper Samson (55 off 32 balls) taking their side to a big score. In reply, Trent Boult's early strikes, in the first over itself, dented SRH's chase and they only managd 131 for 8 in 20 overs, to lose by a convincing margin.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-rohit-sharma-joins-ms-dhoni-and-daren-sammy-in-elite-club-during-mi-rcb-face-off-578529">IPL 2023: Rohit Sharma joins MS Dhoni and Daren Sammy in elite club during MI-RCB face-off</a>

Boult clean bowled Abhishek Sharma before Jason Holder, in the first slip, pulled off a blinder to dismiss Rahul Tripathi to give Boult his second scalp of the match. Here's the video of Holder's stunning effort:

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𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘁! ⚡️⚡️ 
 
𝐖 0 𝐖 😉 
 
A shaky start to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRH</a>'s chase as they lose Abhishek Sharma &amp; Rahul Tripathi in the first over of the chase! 
 
Follow the match ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/khh5OBILWy">https://t.co/khh5OBILWy</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvRR</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> <a href="https://t.co/NwtSFWZbwX">pic.twitter.com/NwtSFWZbwX</a>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1642500764189982722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Boult returned with 2 for 21 whereas Holder also ended with a wicket, removing Washington Sundar for 1. This was Holder's debut in RR jersey. On the other hand, Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the RR bowlers as he completed the game with 4-0-17-4. Chahal accounted for the scalps of Mayank Agarwal, Harry Brook, Adil Rashid and Bhuvi to also become the first Indian to take 300, or more, wickets in T20s.

RR will next face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the&nbsp;Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on April 05 (Wednesday) whereas SRH will gear up to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the&nbsp;Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday (April 07).

On Sunday (April 02), the second doubleheader of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition took place with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) taking on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Hyderabad, followed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) hosting Mumbai Indians (MI) in Bengaluru in the evening clash.

On Sunday (April 02), the second doubleheader of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition took place with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) taking on the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Hyderabad, followed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) hosting Mumbai Indians (MI) in Bengaluru in the evening clash. Hosting the last year's runners-up Sanju Samson-led RR, the new-look SRH fell flat and lost by 72 runs. Notrhing clicked for the Orange Army, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in regular captain Aiden Markram's absence. Opting to bowl first, the 2016 champions conceded 203 for 5 with RR's top three, Jos Buttler 54 (22), Yashasvi Jaiswal (54) and skipper Samson (55 off 32 balls) taking their side to a big score. In reply, Trent Boult's early strikes, in the first over itself, dented SRH's chase and they only managd 131 for 8 in 20 overs, to lose by a convincing margin. Also Read: IPL 2023: Rohit Sharma joins MS Dhoni and Daren Sammy in elite club during MI-RCB face-off Boult clean bowled Abhishek Sharma before Jason Holder, in the first slip, pulled off a blinder to dismiss Rahul Tripathi to give Boult his second scalp of the match. Here's the video of Holder's stunning effort: 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘁! ⚡️⚡️ 𝐖 0 𝐖 😉 A shaky start to #SRH's chase as they lose Abhishek Sharma & Rahul Tripathi in the first over of the chase! Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/khh5OBILWy#TATAIPL | #SRHvRR | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/NwtSFWZbwX — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 2, 2023 × Boult returned with 2 for 21 whereas Holder also ended with a wicket, removing Washington Sundar for 1. This was Holder's debut in RR jersey. On the other hand, Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the RR bowlers as he completed the game with 4-0-17-4. Chahal accounted for the scalps of Mayank Agarwal, Harry Brook, Adil Rashid and Bhuvi to also become the first Indian to take 300, or more, wickets in T20s. RR will next face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on April 05 (Wednesday) whereas SRH will gear up to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday (April 07).

IPL 2023: UNBELIEVABLE! Jason Holder pulls off a stunner in SRH vs RR clash - Watch video

After much hullabaloo, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is&nbsp;set to kick off on Friday evening (March 31). The opening game will see last year's winners Gujarat Titans (GT) take on the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The competition is once again expected to set the stage on fire as ardent cricket fans across the globe will be glued to their tv screens to watch the proceedings.

The upcoming season will see the addition of the Impact Player Rule, teams naming their playing XIs after the toss and mark the return of the traditional home-and-away format during the league stage. The group stage will comprise as many as 70 games which will be followed by the playoffs and the final.&nbsp;

After the IPL 2022 auction and in the run-up to the tournament, a lot has changed in terms of squad composition for all ten teams. For some franchises, new captains have also been named; due to unforseen circumstances for a few teams. Hence, here's an updated list of squads for all ten teams and their respective captains:

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-from-mumbai-indians-1408-to-gujarat-titans-79-most-sixes-hit-by-existing-teams-in-mega-event-577567">IPL 2023: From Mumbai Indians' 1,408 to Gujarat Titans' 79 - Most sixes hit by existing teams in mega event</a>

Chennai Super Kings&nbsp;

MS Dhoni (c), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chowdhary (injured, replaced by Akash Singh) Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sidhu, Kyle Jamieson (injured, replaced by Sisanda Magala), Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Verma

Captain: MS Dhoni 
He remains CSK's only permanent captain 
Has led them to four IPL titles

Delhi Capitals&nbsp;

David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ripal Patel, Rovman Powell, Sarfaraz Khan, Yash Dhull, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Lungi Ngidi, Mustafizur Rahman, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Praveen Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, Phil Salt, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Abhishek Porel (likely replacement for Rishabh Pant)

Captain: David Warner 
He has led SRH to the IPL championship in 2016 
He has replaced Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a road accident

Gujarat Titans&nbsp;

Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Kane Williamson, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Josh Little, Mohit Sharma

Captain: Hardik Pandya 
He led the last year's debutant to the championship and has won the IPL five times as well with the MI franchise.

Kolkata Knight Riders&nbsp;

Shreyas Iyer (expected to return in second-half), Nitish Rana (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, N Jadadeesan, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, David Wiese, Kulwant Khejroliya, Litton Das, Mandeep Singh, Shakib Al Hasan

Captain: Nitish Rana 
Rana has led Delhi in the domestic circuit and has been named as the interim captain with regular skipper Shreyas Iyer expected to return in the latter half of the tournament.

Lucknow Super Giants&nbsp;

KL Rahul (c), Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Charak

Captain: KL Rahul 
Rahul led the Lucknow franchise to the playoffs last season; their debut edition. He has also served as India's stand-in captain across formats in the recent past.

Mumbai Indians

Rohit Sharma (c), Tim David, Ramandeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jofra Archer, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, Hrithik Shokeen, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal, Mohit Rathee

Captain: Rohit Sharma 
Rohit is IPL's most successful captain with as many as five titles (in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020)

Punjab Kings

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow (injured, replaced by Matt Short), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh

Captain: Shikhar Dhawan 
Dhawan has led the SRH franchise in their debut season, in 2013. He took them to the playoffs and will hope to replicate the same this time around with the Punjab franshise.

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donavon Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, M Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root

Captain: Sanju Samson 
Samson led RR to their first-ever final, since 2008, in the 2022 edition. He will hope to take them to the title this time around.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Will Jacks (injured, replaced by Michael Bracewell), Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, R Sonu Yadav

Captain: Faf du Plessis 
Plessis led RCB to the playoffs in his first season for the Bengaluru camp. He has also led the South African team to considerable success during his captaincy tenure.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram (c), Rahul Tripathi, Glenn Phillips, Abhishek Sharma, Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kartik Tyagi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Harry Brook, Mayank Agarwal, Heinrich Klaasen, Adil Rashid, Mayank Markande, Vivrant Sharma, Samarth Vyas, Sanvir Singh, Upendra Yadav, Mayank Dagar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Anmolpreet Singh, Akeal Hosein

Captain: Aiden Markam 
Markram will hope to lead SRH to their first title since 2016. He led Sunrisers Eastern Cape -- also belonging to the Hyderabad franchise owners -- to the championship in the SA20 inaugural edition early this year. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead in his absence as he is on national duty during the first week of the IPL 2023 season.

After much hullabaloo, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is set to kick off on Friday evening (March 31). The opening game will see last year's winners Gujarat Titans (GT) take on the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad.

After much hullabaloo, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is set to kick off on Friday evening (March 31). The opening game will see last year's winners Gujarat Titans (GT) take on the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, Ahmedabad. The competition is once again expected to set the stage on fire as ardent cricket fans across the globe will be glued to their tv screens to watch the proceedings. The upcoming season will see the addition of the Impact Player Rule, teams naming their playing XIs after the toss and mark the return of the traditional home-and-away format during the league stage. The group stage will comprise as many as 70 games which will be followed by the playoffs and the final. After the IPL 2022 auction and in the run-up to the tournament, a lot has changed in terms of squad composition for all ten teams. For some franchises, new captains have also been named; due to unforseen circumstances for a few teams. Hence, here's an updated list of squads for all ten teams and their respective captains: Also Read: IPL 2023: From Mumbai Indians' 1,408 to Gujarat Titans' 79 - Most sixes hit by existing teams in mega event Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni (c), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ambati Rayudu, Subhranshu Senapati, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Dwaine Pretorius, Mitchell Santner, Ravindra Jadeja, Tushar Deshpande, Mukesh Chowdhary (injured, replaced by Akash Singh) Matheesha Pathirana, Simarjeet Singh, Deepak Chahar, Prashant Solanki, Maheesh Theekshana, Ajinkya Rahane, Ben Stokes, Shaik Rasheed, Nishant Sidhu, Kyle Jamieson (injured, replaced by Sisanda Magala), Ajay Mandal, Bhagath Verma Captain: MS Dhoni He remains CSK's only permanent captain Has led them to four IPL titles Delhi Capitals David Warner (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ripal Patel, Rovman Powell, Sarfaraz Khan, Yash Dhull, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Lungi Ngidi, Mustafizur Rahman, Aman Khan, Kuldeep Yadav, Praveen Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, Phil Salt, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Abhishek Porel (likely replacement for Rishabh Pant) Captain: David Warner He has led SRH to the IPL championship in 2016 He has replaced Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a road accident Gujarat Titans Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Sai Sudharsan, Wriddhiman Saha, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Pradeep Sangwan, Darshan Nalkande, Jayant Yadav, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Kane Williamson, Odean Smith, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, Josh Little, Mohit Sharma Captain: Hardik Pandya He led the last year's debutant to the championship and has won the IPL five times as well with the MI franchise. Kolkata Knight Riders Shreyas Iyer (expected to return in second-half), Nitish Rana (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, N Jadadeesan, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, David Wiese, Kulwant Khejroliya, Litton Das, Mandeep Singh, Shakib Al Hasan Captain: Nitish Rana Rana has led Delhi in the domestic circuit and has been named as the interim captain with regular skipper Shreyas Iyer expected to return in the latter half of the tournament. Lucknow Super Giants KL Rahul (c), Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Krunal Pandya, Avesh Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Jaydev Unadkat, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Charak Captain: KL Rahul Rahul led the Lucknow franchise to the playoffs last season; their debut edition. He has also served as India's stand-in captain across formats in the recent past. Mumbai Indians Rohit Sharma (c), Tim David, Ramandeep Singh, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Jofra Archer, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kartikeya, Hrithik Shokeen, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson, Piyush Chawla, Duan Jansen, Vishnu Vinod, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Raghav Goyal, Mohit Rathee Captain: Rohit Sharma Rohit is IPL's most successful captain with as many as five titles (in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020) Punjab Kings Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow (injured, replaced by Matt Short), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh Captain: Shikhar Dhawan Dhawan has led the SRH franchise in their debut season, in 2013. He took them to the playoffs and will hope to replicate the same this time around with the Punjab franshise. Rajasthan Royals Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donavon Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, M Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root Captain: Sanju Samson Samson led RR to their first-ever final, since 2008, in the 2022 edition. He will hope to take them to the title this time around. Royal Challengers Bangalore Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Will Jacks (injured, replaced by Michael Bracewell), Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, R Sonu Yadav Captain: Faf du Plessis Plessis led RCB to the playoffs in his first season for the Bengaluru camp. He has also led the South African team to considerable success during his captaincy tenure. Sunrisers Hyderabad Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram (c), Rahul Tripathi, Glenn Phillips, Abhishek Sharma, Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kartik Tyagi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Harry Brook, Mayank Agarwal, Heinrich Klaasen, Adil Rashid, Mayank Markande, Vivrant Sharma, Samarth Vyas, Sanvir Singh, Upendra Yadav, Mayank Dagar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Anmolpreet Singh, Akeal Hosein Captain: Aiden Markam Markram will hope to lead SRH to their first title since 2016. He led Sunrisers Eastern Cape -- also belonging to the Hyderabad franchise owners -- to the championship in the SA20 inaugural edition early this year. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead in his absence as he is on national duty during the first week of the IPL 2023 season.

IPL 2023: Updated squads of all 10 teams and their captains

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season kicks off on March 31 in Ahmedabad as the defending champions Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on the four-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the season, many former cricketers and experts of the game have shared their predictions for the upcoming season and former England captain Michael Vaughan also joined the bandwagon on March 29 (Wednesday).

Taking to his Twitter handle, Vaughan predicted that the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) can end up winning the IPL 2023 edition. Here's his tweet which has gone viral in no time:

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-dream-of-winning-the-trophy-will-come-true-manjrekars-massive-claim-ahead-of-ipl-2023-577258">Virat Kohli's dream of winning the trophy will come true: Manjrekar's MASSIVE claim ahead of IPL 2023</a>

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Can’t wait for the IPL to start .. Looking forward to being part of the <a href="https://twitter.com/cricbuzz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricbuzz</a> team .. I thinks it’s going to be <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajasthanroyals</a> year .. they will be lifting the trophy in late May .. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnOn?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnOn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2023</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1641103648900935683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The one-time winners RR had a memorable run in IPL 2022. After the 2018 edition, the inaugural champions reached the playoffs after ending as the second-ranked side. Eventually, they reached the final where they lost by seven wickets to the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) and will now look to go a step ahead and claim the title this time around.&nbsp;

Last year, RR rode on Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Devdutt Padikkal, Samson, Shimron Hetymer, Trent Boult to reach the finale. For the 2023 edition, they have seen some valuable additions in the form of Joe Root, Adam Zampa, Jason Holder, etc.

RR complete squad for IPL 2023

Sanju Samson (c &amp; wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag,&nbsp;Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, Murugan Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season kicks off on March 31 in Ahmedabad as the defending champions Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on the four-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season kicks off on March 31 in Ahmedabad as the defending champions Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on the four-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium. Ahead of the season, many former cricketers and experts of the game have shared their predictions for the upcoming season and former England captain Michael Vaughan also joined the bandwagon on March 29 (Wednesday). Taking to his Twitter handle, Vaughan predicted that the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) can end up winning the IPL 2023 edition. Here's his tweet which has gone viral in no time: Also Read: Virat Kohli's dream of winning the trophy will come true: Manjrekar's MASSIVE claim ahead of IPL 2023 Can’t wait for the IPL to start .. Looking forward to being part of the @cricbuzz team .. I thinks it’s going to be @rajasthanroyals year .. they will be lifting the trophy in late May .. #OnOn #IPL2023 — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 29, 2023 × The one-time winners RR had a memorable run in IPL 2022. After the 2018 edition, the inaugural champions reached the playoffs after ending as the second-ranked side. Eventually, they reached the final where they lost by seven wickets to the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) and will now look to go a step ahead and claim the title this time around. Last year, RR rode on Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Devdutt Padikkal, Samson, Shimron Hetymer, Trent Boult to reach the finale. For the 2023 edition, they have seen some valuable additions in the form of Joe Root, Adam Zampa, Jason Holder, etc. RR complete squad for IPL 2023 Sanju Samson (c & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler (wk), Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, Murugan Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root.

'They will be lifting IPL 2023 trophy': Michael Vaughan's MASSIVE PREDICTION ahead of season-opener

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season is all set for the kick-off as 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) launched their new kit. Runners-up in 2022, the Royals will be eager to end a 15-year wait for the IPL title, having not tasted glory since 2008 when they lifted the trophy under Shane Warne’s captaincy. While RR fell short of lifting the title and ending the drought, their performances still caught everyone’s eye.

Skipper Sanju Samson on the occasion of team’s latest kit launch called back the memories from 2022 and reflected on the team’s performance.

<h3>Pressure to match last year’s performance</h3>

“Pressure of matching last year's show will always be there. It was a dream performance by the entire team to reach the summit clash in 2022. Having reached the final last year, people will be expecting us to dazzle yet again. We have no choice but to play well and match last year's feat if not doing better,” Samson said during the kit launch.

“I joined Rajasthan Royals when I was just 18. Now I'm 28 and it's been a remarkable journey so far. The last ten years have been thoroughly exciting and challenging. This is my team and I always want to see RR doing well,” said Samson.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-sachin-tendulkar-abdul-razzaq-names-master-blasters-iconic-teammate-as-most-dangerous-player-576611">Not Sachin Tendulkar! Abdul Razzaq names Master Blaster's ICONIC teammate as 'most dangerous player'</a>

<h3>Fortunate to have great coaching staff</h3>

Samson also spoke on the team’s backroom staff which includes head coach Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga. He spoke about their influence on the team and how Sangakkara in particular has impacted the team’s morale.

"We are fortunate to have Sangakkara as our coach. He is a legendary player and having him in the dressing room and on the ground while practising is a big boost for us. With his vast experience, we are always in the process of improving ourselves. He is constantly thinking of different strategies for the benefit of the squad,” said Samson.

RR will start their IPL 2023 campaign against 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, April 2. The contest will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad with the IPL yet again returning to a home-away format.

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season is all set for the kick-off as 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) launched their new kit. Runners-up in 2022, the Royals will be eager to end a 15-year wait for the IPL title, having not tasted glory since 2008 when they lifted the trophy under Shane Warne’s captaincy.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season is all set for the kick-off as 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) launched their new kit. Runners-up in 2022, the Royals will be eager to end a 15-year wait for the IPL title, having not tasted glory since 2008 when they lifted the trophy under Shane Warne’s captaincy. While RR fell short of lifting the title and ending the drought, their performances still caught everyone’s eye. Skipper Sanju Samson on the occasion of team’s latest kit launch called back the memories from 2022 and reflected on the team’s performance. Pressure to match last year’s performance “Pressure of matching last year's show will always be there. It was a dream performance by the entire team to reach the summit clash in 2022. Having reached the final last year, people will be expecting us to dazzle yet again. We have no choice but to play well and match last year's feat if not doing better,” Samson said during the kit launch. “I joined Rajasthan Royals when I was just 18. Now I'm 28 and it's been a remarkable journey so far. The last ten years have been thoroughly exciting and challenging. This is my team and I always want to see RR doing well,” said Samson. ALSO READ | Not Sachin Tendulkar! Abdul Razzaq names Master Blaster's ICONIC teammate as 'most dangerous player' Fortunate to have great coaching staff Samson also spoke on the team’s backroom staff which includes head coach Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga. He spoke about their influence on the team and how Sangakkara in particular has impacted the team’s morale. "We are fortunate to have Sangakkara as our coach. He is a legendary player and having him in the dressing room and on the ground while practising is a big boost for us. With his vast experience, we are always in the process of improving ourselves. He is constantly thinking of different strategies for the benefit of the squad,” said Samson. RR will start their IPL 2023 campaign against 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday, April 2. The contest will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad with the IPL yet again returning to a home-away format. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: Sanju Samson turns back clock to reflect on team's show in 2022, says 'It was a dream performance'

World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has downplayed any comparison between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson, saying this should not happen in the first place. He added if the team management has decided to back someone, that player must get an extended run. These comments have come after Suryakumar held a bizarre record to his name, where he registered three first-ball ducks in as many outings against Australia in the recently-concluded ODI series.

Following his recent failure, Indian fans on social media started raising questions as to why Surya was preferred over Sanju Samson, who in comparison to SKY, has better ODI numbers. He averages 66 in 11 matches, while Surya averages just 24.05 in 23 games.

Meanwhile, in the absence of regular number four Shreyas Iyer, who is out due to a back injury, the management decided to test Surya in the same spot. Having achieved enormous success in the shortest format lately, Suryakumar failed to replicate his form in ODIs. His recent slump further raised tensions for the team management to fill the spot as the home World Cup approaches.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-worries-mount-for-kkr-as-ace-seamer-doubtful-for-opening-few-games-due-to-hamstring-injury-575181">IPL 2023: Worries mount for KKR as ace seamer doubtful for opening few games due to hamstring injury</a>

Speaking on the comparison, Kapil said since Surya has been a regular in the T20I team for over two years now, he deserves to get picked; and even though he attained an unwanted record to his name, SKY should not be discounted, and instead, the management must persist with him.

"A cricketer who has played so well will always get more chances. Don't compare Surya with Sanju Samson, it doesn't seem right. If Sanju goes through a bad phase then you will talk about somebody else. This should not happen. If the team management has decided to back Suryakumar Yadav then he should be given more chances. Yes, people will talk, give their opinion but ultimately it's the management's call," Kapil Dev said during an interaction with ABP news.

While Surya batted at his designated spot (number four) in the first two matches, where he got out trapped in the middle off Mitchell Starc in an almost similar fashion, the management decided to send me as a finisher in the final ODI in Chennai – where Ashton Agar clean bowled him.

Explaining why he was sent lower down the order, Kapil said the change in the batting order is nothing new in ODIs, and that the management must have thought of trying Surya as a finisher, but that didn’t work either.

"It's very easy to talk after the match is finished. Maybe the idea behind sending Suryakumar at No.7 was to give him an opportunity as a finisher. This (shuffling of the batting order) is nothing new in ODIs. This has happened many times before. Yes, at times it can happen that a batter's confidence is dented if he has been dragged down the order. But the onus rests on the player to tell his captain that 'I can handle myself in the top order.' The coach and captain must have decided with particular thinking," India’s World Cup winner added.

Meanwhile, both Suryakumar and Sanju Samson will now compete for their teams in the upcoming edition of the IPL, which starts on March 31st.

World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has downplayed any comparison between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson, saying this should not happen in the first place. He added if the team management has decided to back someone, that player must get an extended run.

World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has downplayed any comparison between Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson, saying this should not happen in the first place. He added if the team management has decided to back someone, that player must get an extended run. These comments have come after Suryakumar held a bizarre record to his name, where he registered three first-ball ducks in as many outings against Australia in the recently-concluded ODI series. Following his recent failure, Indian fans on social media started raising questions as to why Surya was preferred over Sanju Samson, who in comparison to SKY, has better ODI numbers. He averages 66 in 11 matches, while Surya averages just 24.05 in 23 games. Meanwhile, in the absence of regular number four Shreyas Iyer, who is out due to a back injury, the management decided to test Surya in the same spot. Having achieved enormous success in the shortest format lately, Suryakumar failed to replicate his form in ODIs. His recent slump further raised tensions for the team management to fill the spot as the home World Cup approaches. ALSO READ: IPL 2023: Worries mount for KKR as ace seamer doubtful for opening few games due to hamstring injury Speaking on the comparison, Kapil said since Surya has been a regular in the T20I team for over two years now, he deserves to get picked; and even though he attained an unwanted record to his name, SKY should not be discounted, and instead, the management must persist with him. "A cricketer who has played so well will always get more chances. Don't compare Surya with Sanju Samson, it doesn't seem right. If Sanju goes through a bad phase then you will talk about somebody else. This should not happen. If the team management has decided to back Suryakumar Yadav then he should be given more chances. Yes, people will talk, give their opinion but ultimately it's the management's call," Kapil Dev said during an interaction with ABP news. While Surya batted at his designated spot (number four) in the first two matches, where he got out trapped in the middle off Mitchell Starc in an almost similar fashion, the management decided to send me as a finisher in the final ODI in Chennai – where Ashton Agar clean bowled him. Explaining why he was sent lower down the order, Kapil said the change in the batting order is nothing new in ODIs, and that the management must have thought of trying Surya as a finisher, but that didn’t work either. "It's very easy to talk after the match is finished. Maybe the idea behind sending Suryakumar at No.7 was to give him an opportunity as a finisher. This (shuffling of the batting order) is nothing new in ODIs. This has happened many times before. Yes, at times it can happen that a batter's confidence is dented if he has been dragged down the order. But the onus rests on the player to tell his captain that 'I can handle myself in the top order.' The coach and captain must have decided with particular thinking," India’s World Cup winner added. Meanwhile, both Suryakumar and Sanju Samson will now compete for their teams in the upcoming edition of the IPL, which starts on March 31st.

If management had decided to back him, he must continue: Kapil Dev's brave remarks on SKY-Sanju comparison

Team India lost the second and penultimate ODI to Australia by ten wickets in the ongoing three-match series at home. Playing the penultimate game, on Sunday (March 18) in Visakhapatnam, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. were bundled out for a paltry 117, courtesy of Mitchell Starc's five-fer, and lost the contest by ten wickets with 234 balls to spare.

After the heavy defeat, India will aim for a quick turnaround and win the series decider at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday (March 22). Ahead of the series finale, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has called for Sanju Samson's inclusion in place of Suryakumar Yadav. It is to be noted that SKY has managed two golden ducks in the series and his place is under threat.

"We have to see if the management sticks with Suryakumar Yadav in the third ODI; otherwise, it’s not a bad option to give Sanju Samson a chance because he has played well when given the opportunity, and he is a good player," Jaffer told&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo.

<section>
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wouldnt-have-applied-if-virat-kohli-had-not-approached-me-sehwag-recalls-being-offered-india-coach-job-574147">Wouldn’t have applied if Virat Kohli had not approached me: Sehwag recalls being offered India coach job</a>

Samson isn't part of India's ODI squad at present. He last played for the Men in Blue in early 2023 before an injury, during the home T20Is versus Sri Lanka, ruled him out of action. A fit-again Samson hasn't managed to comeback into the Indian squad since then as the team management preferred SKY after Shreyas Iyer, a regular at the No. 4 spot, recently got injured.

After Surya's twin failures in the Australia ODIs, captain Rohit backed him to come good. After the Vizag ODI, Hitman said, "Of course, he knows that he needs to do it while in a slightly longer format of the game as well. I think things are there in his mind as well. As I said, guys with potential will have enough run where you know they should not feel that ‘Okay, You know I wasn’t given enough chances in that particular slot'."

He added, "We don’t know about (Shreyas) Iyer’s return. At this time there is a spot available so we have to play him (Suryakumar). He has obviously shown a lot of potential with white ball and I have said it many times before (that) guys with potential will be given some run."
</section>

Team India lost the second and penultimate ODI to Australia by ten wickets in the ongoing three-match series at home. Playing the penultimate game, on Sunday (March 18) in Visakhapatnam, Rohit Sharma & Co.

Team India lost the second and penultimate ODI to Australia by ten wickets in the ongoing three-match series at home. Playing the penultimate game, on Sunday (March 18) in Visakhapatnam, Rohit Sharma & Co. were bundled out for a paltry 117, courtesy of Mitchell Starc's five-fer, and lost the contest by ten wickets with 234 balls to spare. After the heavy defeat, India will aim for a quick turnaround and win the series decider at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday (March 22). Ahead of the series finale, former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has called for Sanju Samson's inclusion in place of Suryakumar Yadav. It is to be noted that SKY has managed two golden ducks in the series and his place is under threat. "We have to see if the management sticks with Suryakumar Yadav in the third ODI; otherwise, it’s not a bad option to give Sanju Samson a chance because he has played well when given the opportunity, and he is a good player," Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo. Also read: Wouldn’t have applied if Virat Kohli had not approached me: Sehwag recalls being offered India coach job Samson isn't part of India's ODI squad at present. He last played for the Men in Blue in early 2023 before an injury, during the home T20Is versus Sri Lanka, ruled him out of action. A fit-again Samson hasn't managed to comeback into the Indian squad since then as the team management preferred SKY after Shreyas Iyer, a regular at the No. 4 spot, recently got injured. After Surya's twin failures in the Australia ODIs, captain Rohit backed him to come good. After the Vizag ODI, Hitman said, "Of course, he knows that he needs to do it while in a slightly longer format of the game as well. I think things are there in his mind as well. As I said, guys with potential will have enough run where you know they should not feel that ‘Okay, You know I wasn’t given enough chances in that particular slot'." He added, "We don’t know about (Shreyas) Iyer’s return. At this time there is a spot available so we have to play him (Suryakumar). He has obviously shown a lot of potential with white ball and I have said it many times before (that) guys with potential will be given some run."

Ind vs Aus, 3rd ODI: Wasim Jaffer calls for Sanju Samson's inclusion after Suryakumar Yadav's twin failures

Shivam Mavi made a dream debut with a relentless display of fast bowling as his four-wicket haul made the difference in India's narrow two-run win over a spirited Sri Lanka in the first T20I on Tuesday.

India batters found the Sri Lankan spinners hard to put away before Deepak Hooda (41 not out off 23) and Axar Patel (31 not out off 20) took the hosts to 162 for five.

The Sri Lankans surely had the firepower to chase down 163 but Mavi's strikes at the front and back end of the innings tilted the game in favour of the home team.

The game went down to the wire with spinner Axar Patel managing to defend 13 runs in the final over. Mavi ended with envious figures of four for 22 in four overs.

The fighting knocks from skipper Dasun Shanaka (45 off 27) and Chamika Karunaratne (23 not out off 16) went in vain as Sri Lanka ended 160 all out in 20 overs. This is the lowest total India have defended at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium.&nbsp;

Skipper Hardik Pandya decided to bowl the first over and the pressure created by him helped debutant Mavi at the other end. Hardik bowled full tilt and hardly gave anything away, conceding only 12 runs in his three-over spell.

Mavi's moment to cherish came in his first over as he showed remarkable composure to strike back after being hit for two fours by Kusal Mendis. Having already got a life in Hardik's first over, Pathum Nissanka had no clue about Mavi's beauty of a delivery that jagged back in to shatter the stumps.

In his second over too, Mavi got hit for a couple of fours before he had Dhanajaya de Silva caught at mid-on. It became 47 for three in the eighth over when Ishan Kishan took a brilliant catch running backwards after Charith Asalanka mistimed a pull off Umran Malik.

Pacer Harshal Patel got lucky with his first wicket as a dangerous-looking Mendis found the deep point fielder before getting rid of Bhanuka Rajapaksa with a slower ball, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 68 for five in the 11th over. Hardik had to leave the field briefly after taking Rajapaksa's catch.

Hasaranga and skipper Shanaka made the game interesting with a quickfire 40-run stand off 23 balls. Hasaranga put the pressure back on the Indians by smashing Yuzvendra Chahal for back-to-back sixes over mid-wicket, reducing the equation to a very gettable 56 runs off 36 balls.

Mavi was brought back to break the threatening partnership and that is what he did by having Hasaranga caught at mid-off.&nbsp;Shanaka kept Sri Lanka in the game singlehandedly before falling to Umran in the 17th over.

The game somehow went down to the last over with Chamika Karunratne providing a ray of hope for the visitors. With Hardik unable to bowl his fourth over after a fall on the field, Axar was called in to defend 13 in the final over.

Earlier, Hooda and Axar shared an unbeaten 68-run stand off 38 balls for the sixth wicket after India found themselves at a shaky 94 for five at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-live-streaming-how-to-watch-india-vs-sri-lanka-series-2023-live-streaming-tv-channels-in-india-548644">Read more:&nbsp;IND vs SL Live Streaming: How to watch India vs Sri Lanka Series 2023 live streaming &amp; TV channels in India</a>

Playing his first international innings since the double hundred in Bangladesh, Kishan (37 off 29) went ballistic in the first over itself that yielded 17 runs.

Searching for some swing, right-arm pacer Kasun Rajitha pitched it up and Kishan was quick to flick it over deep square leg for a massive six. Then a slower ball was hit down the ground for four before Kishan pulled Rajitha for another boundary.

Shubman Gill (7), who made his T20 debut alongside Mavi, began his innings with a delightful cover driver off Dilshan Madhushanka.

Shanaka introduced spin in the third over via Maheesh Theekshana and he delivered with the wicket of Gill who missed a straighter one from the mystery spinner to be trapped in front of the stumps. Hoping against hope, Gill wasted a review in the process.

India's best T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav (7) too perished cheaply, leaving the hosts at 41 for two in the powerplay. Playing his first game in front of his home crowd, Surya went for his usual scoop shot but mistimed it to be caught at short fine leg by Bhanuka Rajapaksa off Chamika Karunaratne.

Sanju Samson (5) wasted another opportunity by mistiming a slog off Dhananjaya de Silva.

The spinners stemmed the flow of runs in the middle overs with India collecting only 26 in overs 10-15 with the loss of Kishan and skipper Hardik Pandya (29 off 27), who could not find his range after starting with a couple of exquisite stokes on the off side.

Coming in at number six, Hooda tried to change the course of the innings with back-to-back sixes over deep midwicket off Theekshana. He targeted the same area against Hasaranga in the next over, depositing him for a maximum.

He had good support from Axar as the duo helped India get to a fighting total.

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Shivam Mavi made a dream debut with a relentless display of fast bowling as his four-wicket haul made the difference in India's narrow two-run win over a spirited Sri Lanka in the first T20I on Tuesday.

Shivam Mavi made a dream debut with a relentless display of fast bowling as his four-wicket haul made the difference in India's narrow two-run win over a spirited Sri Lanka in the first T20I on Tuesday. India batters found the Sri Lankan spinners hard to put away before Deepak Hooda (41 not out off 23) and Axar Patel (31 not out off 20) took the hosts to 162 for five. The Sri Lankans surely had the firepower to chase down 163 but Mavi's strikes at the front and back end of the innings tilted the game in favour of the home team. The game went down to the wire with spinner Axar Patel managing to defend 13 runs in the final over. Mavi ended with envious figures of four for 22 in four overs. The fighting knocks from skipper Dasun Shanaka (45 off 27) and Chamika Karunaratne (23 not out off 16) went in vain as Sri Lanka ended 160 all out in 20 overs. This is the lowest total India have defended at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium. Skipper Hardik Pandya decided to bowl the first over and the pressure created by him helped debutant Mavi at the other end. Hardik bowled full tilt and hardly gave anything away, conceding only 12 runs in his three-over spell. Mavi's moment to cherish came in his first over as he showed remarkable composure to strike back after being hit for two fours by Kusal Mendis. Having already got a life in Hardik's first over, Pathum Nissanka had no clue about Mavi's beauty of a delivery that jagged back in to shatter the stumps. In his second over too, Mavi got hit for a couple of fours before he had Dhanajaya de Silva caught at mid-on. It became 47 for three in the eighth over when Ishan Kishan took a brilliant catch running backwards after Charith Asalanka mistimed a pull off Umran Malik. Pacer Harshal Patel got lucky with his first wicket as a dangerous-looking Mendis found the deep point fielder before getting rid of Bhanuka Rajapaksa with a slower ball, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 68 for five in the 11th over. Hardik had to leave the field briefly after taking Rajapaksa's catch. Hasaranga and skipper Shanaka made the game interesting with a quickfire 40-run stand off 23 balls. Hasaranga put the pressure back on the Indians by smashing Yuzvendra Chahal for back-to-back sixes over mid-wicket, reducing the equation to a very gettable 56 runs off 36 balls. Mavi was brought back to break the threatening partnership and that is what he did by having Hasaranga caught at mid-off. Shanaka kept Sri Lanka in the game singlehandedly before falling to Umran in the 17th over. The game somehow went down to the last over with Chamika Karunratne providing a ray of hope for the visitors. With Hardik unable to bowl his fourth over after a fall on the field, Axar was called in to defend 13 in the final over. Earlier, Hooda and Axar shared an unbeaten 68-run stand off 38 balls for the sixth wicket after India found themselves at a shaky 94 for five at the high-scoring Wankhede Stadium. Read more: IND vs SL Live Streaming: How to watch India vs Sri Lanka Series 2023 live streaming & TV channels in India Playing his first international innings since the double hundred in Bangladesh, Kishan (37 off 29) went ballistic in the first over itself that yielded 17 runs. Searching for some swing, right-arm pacer Kasun Rajitha pitched it up and Kishan was quick to flick it over deep square leg for a massive six. Then a slower ball was hit down the ground for four before Kishan pulled Rajitha for another boundary. Shubman Gill (7), who made his T20 debut alongside Mavi, began his innings with a delightful cover driver off Dilshan Madhushanka. Shanaka introduced spin in the third over via Maheesh Theekshana and he delivered with the wicket of Gill who missed a straighter one from the mystery spinner to be trapped in front of the stumps. Hoping against hope, Gill wasted a review in the process. India's best T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav (7) too perished cheaply, leaving the hosts at 41 for two in the powerplay. Playing his first game in front of his home crowd, Surya went for his usual scoop shot but mistimed it to be caught at short fine leg by Bhanuka Rajapaksa off Chamika Karunaratne. Sanju Samson (5) wasted another opportunity by mistiming a slog off Dhananjaya de Silva. The spinners stemmed the flow of runs in the middle overs with India collecting only 26 in overs 10-15 with the loss of Kishan and skipper Hardik Pandya (29 off 27), who could not find his range after starting with a couple of exquisite stokes on the off side. Coming in at number six, Hooda tried to change the course of the innings with back-to-back sixes over deep midwicket off Theekshana. He targeted the same area against Hasaranga in the next over, depositing him for a maximum. He had good support from Axar as the duo helped India get to a fighting total. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ind vs SL 1st T20I: India overcome Lanka challenge by two runs to gain 1-0 lead in the series

Rohit Sharma-led India bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition with an ignoble 10-wicket defeat at the hands of eventual champions England in the semi-finals. After India's crushing loss, many former cricketers shared their opinions on India's overall run in the mega event and now Mohammed Kaif has joined the bandwagon. In a recent interaction, Kaif mentioned a star player's name who he says should have been a part of the Indian squad but wasn't given a chance despite being ready for the big-ticket tournament.&nbsp;

Speaking about Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, Kaif feels India missed a trick by not picking the swashbuckling keeper-batter despite his good run of form in the India-South Africa ODIs, just before the T20 WC in Australia.&nbsp; "Speaking of the future, I think one player was ready but was still not picked for the World Cup. Sanju Samson was ready for the No. 5 position. He has been playing in the IPL for many years and has been leading the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as well. He guided them to the finals too this year," he told SportsKeeda.

<section>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/best-place-for-him-is-ex-india-opener-suggests-batting-position-for-rishabh-pant-ahead-of-nz-t20is-535081">'Best place for him is...' - Ex-India opener suggests batting position for Rishabh Pant ahead of NZ T20Is</a>

"Samson played match-winning knocks in the West Indies. When 2–3 wickets fall, he comes in and attacks. He has the ability to take on spinners and hit them for fours and sixes. He was ready but was not picked for the World Cup. That was a mistake," Kaif added.

At present, Samson-starrer India's T20I squad is in New Zealand for the three-match series versus the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps. The series opener was washed out due to persistent rain on Friday (November 18) in Wellington and the Men in Blue will now be in action on Sunday (November 20). In the absence of regulars such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, etc., Hardik Pandya-led India will look to challenge the Kiwis in their own backyard and give chances to youngsters.
</section>

Rohit Sharma-led India bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition with an ignoble 10-wicket defeat at the hands of eventual champions England in the semi-finals.

Rohit Sharma-led India bowed out of the T20 World Cup 2022 edition with an ignoble 10-wicket defeat at the hands of eventual champions England in the semi-finals. After India's crushing loss, many former cricketers shared their opinions on India's overall run in the mega event and now Mohammed Kaif has joined the bandwagon. In a recent interaction, Kaif mentioned a star player's name who he says should have been a part of the Indian squad but wasn't given a chance despite being ready for the big-ticket tournament. Speaking about Sanju Samson, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain, Kaif feels India missed a trick by not picking the swashbuckling keeper-batter despite his good run of form in the India-South Africa ODIs, just before the T20 WC in Australia. "Speaking of the future, I think one player was ready but was still not picked for the World Cup. Sanju Samson was ready for the No. 5 position. He has been playing in the IPL for many years and has been leading the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as well. He guided them to the finals too this year," he told SportsKeeda. Also read: 'Best place for him is...' - Ex-India opener suggests batting position for Rishabh Pant ahead of NZ T20Is "Samson played match-winning knocks in the West Indies. When 2–3 wickets fall, he comes in and attacks. He has the ability to take on spinners and hit them for fours and sixes. He was ready but was not picked for the World Cup. That was a mistake," Kaif added. At present, Samson-starrer India's T20I squad is in New Zealand for the three-match series versus the Kane Williamson-led Black Caps. The series opener was washed out due to persistent rain on Friday (November 18) in Wellington and the Men in Blue will now be in action on Sunday (November 20). In the absence of regulars such as Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, etc., Hardik Pandya-led India will look to challenge the Kiwis in their own backyard and give chances to youngsters.

'One player was ready but not picked' - Kaif names star batter who should've been in India's T20 WC squad

Rajasthan Royals (RR), the IPL 2022 runners-up, have retained their core players ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction, set to be held on December 23. While sharing their list of retained and released players, the one-time winners have retained superstars such as captain Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult and some promising Indian talents but have let go of as many as five players from the released list (comprising nine names overall).

The likes of&nbsp;Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham,&nbsp;Rassie van der Dussen are some known international names who have been released after not having a consistent run in the IPL 2022 edition. They will be in need of some quality all-rounders in the forthcoming mini auction and some handy backups.&nbsp;

For now, RR have a well-oiled bowling line-up and some handy batters but will need the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Riyan Parag to deliver so that the pressure doesn't fall up on Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson and Buttler.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-keep-it-simple-jason-behrendorff-only-big-name-released-by-bengaluru-ahead-of-ipl-2023-mini-auction-534464">RCB keep it simple! Jason Behrendorff only big name released by Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2023 mini auction</a>

Players released:&nbsp;Anunay Singh, Corbin Bosch, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Karun Nair, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rassie van der Dussen, Shubham Garhwal, Tejas Baroka 
 
Purse remaining:&nbsp;INR 132 million (INR 13.2 crore)

Players acquired via trades: None

Overseas slots remaining:&nbsp;4

Current squad: Sanju Samson (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa

Rajasthan Royals (RR), the IPL 2022 runners-up, have retained their core players ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction, set to be held on December 23. While sharing their list of retained and released players, the one-time winners have retained superstars such as captain Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult and some promising Indian talents but have let go of as many as five players from the released list (comprising nine names overall).

Rajasthan Royals (RR), the IPL 2022 runners-up, have retained their core players ahead of the IPL 2023 mini auction, set to be held on December 23. While sharing their list of retained and released players, the one-time winners have retained superstars such as captain Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult and some promising Indian talents but have let go of as many as five players from the released list (comprising nine names overall). The likes of Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Rassie van der Dussen are some known international names who have been released after not having a consistent run in the IPL 2022 edition. They will be in need of some quality all-rounders in the forthcoming mini auction and some handy backups. For now, RR have a well-oiled bowling line-up and some handy batters but will need the likes of Devdutt Padikkal and Riyan Parag to deliver so that the pressure doesn't fall up on Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson and Buttler. Also read: RCB keep it simple! Jason Behrendorff only big name released by Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2023 mini auction Players released: Anunay Singh, Corbin Bosch, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Karun Nair, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Rassie van der Dussen, Shubham Garhwal, Tejas Baroka Purse remaining: INR 132 million (INR 13.2 crore) Players acquired via trades: None Overseas slots remaining: 4 Current squad: Sanju Samson (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa

IPL Retention: RR release five overseas players, retain core names ahead of mini auction

Rohit Sharma-led India is set to kick off their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2022 edition with their first game versus arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. Team India reached Australia for the showpiece event early this month and have already played three warm-up games, with two against Western Australia XI.&nbsp;

Winning two of their three warm-up games, so far, India will meet New Zealand on October 19 (Wednesday) at Brisbane in their last practice game before their opening fixture in the main draw of the tournament. For India, they enter the ICC event as the No. 1 ranked side and have been in form in T20Is since their debacle in last year's edition. The likes of Rohit, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, etc. will be crucial to India's chances Down Under.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-pulls-off-one-handed-screamer-on-boundary-rope-in-warm-up-game-against-australia-526072">WATCH: Virat Kohli pulls off one-handed screamer on boundary rope in warm-up game against Australia</a>

India's final 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2022:

Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Hardik Pandya, R&nbsp;Ashwin, Yuzvendra&nbsp;Chahal, Axar Patel, Md Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh

Standby players -&nbsp;Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Md Siraj

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammed-shamis-last-over-heroics-help-india-beat-australia-by-6-runs-in-warm-up-match-526057">Mohammed Shami's last-over heroics help India beat Australia by 6 runs in warm-up match</a>

While the 15-man main squad and reserve list have plenty of match-winners for Team India, here's looking at Men in Blue's star-studded XI featuring players who are not part of the showpiece event Down Under:

India's missed-out XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Venketesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja, Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

The above XI shows the depth of India's squad and the abundance of talent in the Indian camp. The experienced trio of Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah missed out with the latter two being injured whereas Dhawan has been sidelined from T20Is. The younger lot such as Prithvi Shaw, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan are destined to take over from the likes of KL Rahul, Rohit and Kohli but for now, they didn't find a spot.&nbsp;

Chahar missed out again due to back issues after being named in the reserves. Meanwhile, Samson and Kuldeep are part of the second-stringed white-ball Indian team but weren't considered for the T20 WC. Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer went down the pecking order as soon as Hardik Pandya was deemed fully fit in early 2022.

Lastly, Umran has featured in only a handful of T20Is, indicating that he still needs to learn a lot and more exposure to be considered for such a marquee event.

Rohit Sharma-led India is set to kick off their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2022 edition with their first game versus arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 at the iconic MCG, Melbourne.

Rohit Sharma-led India is set to kick off their campaign in the T20 World Cup 2022 edition with their first game versus arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23 at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. Team India reached Australia for the showpiece event early this month and have already played three warm-up games, with two against Western Australia XI. Winning two of their three warm-up games, so far, India will meet New Zealand on October 19 (Wednesday) at Brisbane in their last practice game before their opening fixture in the main draw of the tournament. For India, they enter the ICC event as the No. 1 ranked side and have been in form in T20Is since their debacle in last year's edition. The likes of Rohit, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Suryakumar Yadav, etc. will be crucial to India's chances Down Under. ALSO READ | WATCH: Virat Kohli pulls off one-handed screamer on boundary rope in warm-up game against Australia India's final 15-man squad for T20 World Cup 2022: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (vc), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Md Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh Standby players - Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Shardul Thakur, Md Siraj ALSO READ | Mohammed Shami's last-over heroics help India beat Australia by 6 runs in warm-up match While the 15-man main squad and reserve list have plenty of match-winners for Team India, here's looking at Men in Blue's star-studded XI featuring players who are not part of the showpiece event Down Under: India's missed-out XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Venketesh Iyer, Deepak Chahar, Ravindra Jadeja, Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah The above XI shows the depth of India's squad and the abundance of talent in the Indian camp. The experienced trio of Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah missed out with the latter two being injured whereas Dhawan has been sidelined from T20Is. The younger lot such as Prithvi Shaw, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan are destined to take over from the likes of KL Rahul, Rohit and Kohli but for now, they didn't find a spot. Chahar missed out again due to back issues after being named in the reserves. Meanwhile, Samson and Kuldeep are part of the second-stringed white-ball Indian team but weren't considered for the T20 WC. Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer went down the pecking order as soon as Hardik Pandya was deemed fully fit in early 2022. Lastly, Umran has featured in only a handful of T20Is, indicating that he still needs to learn a lot and more exposure to be considered for such a marquee event.

From Shikhar Dhawan to Jasprit Bumrah: Star players who are not part of India's T20 World Cup squad

Shikhar Dhawan-led India demolished South Africa in the third and final ODI, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Tuesday evening (October 11). After levelling the series with an impressive seven-wicket win in the second and penultimate ODI, Dhawan &amp; Co. locked horns with the Proteas with all to play for both the sides.

Opting to bowl first, India bundled out the David Miller-led SA for a paltry 99 in 27.1 overs, their fourth-lowest ODI score (lowest versus the Men in Blue). After Md Siraj-Washington Sundar's early strikes, and an economical spell from Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav joined in and wreaked havoc by returning with match figures of 4.1-0-18-4. The wily spinner, who also accounted for 22 wickets in IPL 2022 (fifth overall), has had a good run in 2022. After his superlative performance versus South Africa in the ODI series decider, questions were raised as to why the 27-year-old isn't part of the Rohit Sharma-led India's T20 World Cup squad.

Nonetheless, Kuldeep isn't disappointed. In the post-match press conference, he said, "I am not disappointed about missing out on the World Cup because I am more focussed on the process. I am seeing how I can improve match by match. I am not disappointed as the ones who were selected are among the best."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-equal-australias-19-year-old-world-record-after-thrashing-south-africa-in-3rd-odi-524506">India equal Australia's 19-year-old world record after thrashing South Africa in 3rd ODI</a>

On being asked whether he misses his partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep revealed, "It's a tricky question. He is in Australia for the T20 World Cup and my best wishes are with him. Hope he performs well and I keep performing in ODIs."

Kuldeep-starrer India beat SA by seven wickets by chasing down a paltry 100-run target in 19.1 overs. Shubhman Gill led the charge with the bat, with an impressive 57-ball 49, before Shreyas Iyer's 28 not out propelled the Men in Blue to a 2-1 series win.&nbsp;

Shikhar Dhawan-led India demolished South Africa in the third and final ODI, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Tuesday evening (October 11). After levelling the series with an impressive seven-wicket win in the second and penultimate ODI, Dhawan & Co.

Shikhar Dhawan-led India demolished South Africa in the third and final ODI, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Tuesday evening (October 11). After levelling the series with an impressive seven-wicket win in the second and penultimate ODI, Dhawan & Co. locked horns with the Proteas with all to play for both the sides. Opting to bowl first, India bundled out the David Miller-led SA for a paltry 99 in 27.1 overs, their fourth-lowest ODI score (lowest versus the Men in Blue). After Md Siraj-Washington Sundar's early strikes, and an economical spell from Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Yadav joined in and wreaked havoc by returning with match figures of 4.1-0-18-4. The wily spinner, who also accounted for 22 wickets in IPL 2022 (fifth overall), has had a good run in 2022. After his superlative performance versus South Africa in the ODI series decider, questions were raised as to why the 27-year-old isn't part of the Rohit Sharma-led India's T20 World Cup squad. Nonetheless, Kuldeep isn't disappointed. In the post-match press conference, he said, "I am not disappointed about missing out on the World Cup because I am more focussed on the process. I am seeing how I can improve match by match. I am not disappointed as the ones who were selected are among the best." ALSO READ | India equal Australia's 19-year-old world record after thrashing South Africa in 3rd ODI On being asked whether he misses his partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep revealed, "It's a tricky question. He is in Australia for the T20 World Cup and my best wishes are with him. Hope he performs well and I keep performing in ODIs." Kuldeep-starrer India beat SA by seven wickets by chasing down a paltry 100-run target in 19.1 overs. Shubhman Gill led the charge with the bat, with an impressive 57-ball 49, before Shreyas Iyer's 28 not out propelled the Men in Blue to a 2-1 series win.

'I am not disappointed' - Kuldeep Yadav reacts after not being part of India's T20 World Cup squad

India and South Africa have locked horns in the third and final ODI, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Tuesday (October 11). After Shikhar Dhawan-led India's impressive seven-wicket series-levelling win in the second and penultimate encounter at Ranchi, on Sunday (October 09), both sides entered the series decider with all to play for. In the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma and vice-captain Keshav Maharaj, David Miller got the opportunity to captain the side for the first time in ODIs. However, the power-hitter's debut as ODI captain got off to a poor start as the Proteas bundled out for a paltry 99 in 27.1 overs.

Opting to bowl first, India rode on impressive opening spells from Md Siraj and Avesh Khan. While Siraj accounted for the wickets of&nbsp;Janneman Malan and Reeza Hendricks, Washington Sundar removed Quinton de Kock and captain Miller. Kuldeep Yadav then wreaked havoc by dismissing the lower order in a flash, returning with match figures of 4 for 18 in 4.1 overs. As a result, SA folded for their fourth-lowest ODI score. In addition, this is their lowest total against the Men in Blue.

Lowest totals for South Africa in ODIs 
69 vs Aus Sydney 1993 
83 vs Eng Nottingham 2008 
83 vs Eng Manchester 2022 
99 vs Ind Delhi 2022 
Previous lowest vs India: 117 in Nairobi, 1999

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/going-by-your-logic-former-indian-opener-hits-back-at-troll-who-termed-him-a-failed-cricketer-524427">'Going by your logic...': Former Indian opener hits back at troll who termed him a 'failed cricketer'</a>

In the mid-innings break, Kuldeep told the broadcasters, "Feeling happy to take four wickets, have taken four wickets after such a long time. I was trying something different before IPL, and I am enjoying my bowling since then. I missed the hat-trick, could have bowled quicker. Should have changed the angle. I think Washington bowled really well. The wicket was gripping, I tried to bowl seam-up deliveries, tried to mix it up with the pace, tried to set up the batters. I was working on my rhythm, I was a bit slower before my injury. I am not compromising with spin, just trying to work on my rhythm."

India are well on course for a terrific series win, amid the absence of many of their regular players. On the other hand, SA will blame their batters for not standing tall in the series finale as the Proteas are now set to feature in the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers, in Zimbabwe, after already struggling in the bottom half of the World Super League points table.&nbsp;

India and South Africa have locked horns in the third and final ODI, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Tuesday (October 11). After Shikhar Dhawan-led India's impressive seven-wicket series-levelling win in the second and penultimate encounter at Ranchi, on Sunday (October 09), both sides entered the series decider with all to play for.

India and South Africa have locked horns in the third and final ODI, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, on Tuesday (October 11). After Shikhar Dhawan-led India's impressive seven-wicket series-levelling win in the second and penultimate encounter at Ranchi, on Sunday (October 09), both sides entered the series decider with all to play for. In the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma and vice-captain Keshav Maharaj, David Miller got the opportunity to captain the side for the first time in ODIs. However, the power-hitter's debut as ODI captain got off to a poor start as the Proteas bundled out for a paltry 99 in 27.1 overs. Opting to bowl first, India rode on impressive opening spells from Md Siraj and Avesh Khan. While Siraj accounted for the wickets of Janneman Malan and Reeza Hendricks, Washington Sundar removed Quinton de Kock and captain Miller. Kuldeep Yadav then wreaked havoc by dismissing the lower order in a flash, returning with match figures of 4 for 18 in 4.1 overs. As a result, SA folded for their fourth-lowest ODI score. In addition, this is their lowest total against the Men in Blue. Lowest totals for South Africa in ODIs 69 vs Aus Sydney 1993 83 vs Eng Nottingham 2008 83 vs Eng Manchester 2022 99 vs Ind Delhi 2022 Previous lowest vs India: 117 in Nairobi, 1999 ALSO READ | 'Going by your logic...': Former Indian opener hits back at troll who termed him a 'failed cricketer' In the mid-innings break, Kuldeep told the broadcasters, "Feeling happy to take four wickets, have taken four wickets after such a long time. I was trying something different before IPL, and I am enjoying my bowling since then. I missed the hat-trick, could have bowled quicker. Should have changed the angle. I think Washington bowled really well. The wicket was gripping, I tried to bowl seam-up deliveries, tried to mix it up with the pace, tried to set up the batters. I was working on my rhythm, I was a bit slower before my injury. I am not compromising with spin, just trying to work on my rhythm." India are well on course for a terrific series win, amid the absence of many of their regular players. On the other hand, SA will blame their batters for not standing tall in the series finale as the Proteas are now set to feature in the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifiers, in Zimbabwe, after already struggling in the bottom half of the World Super League points table.

99 all-out! South Africa register lowest ODI score versus India after Kuldeep Yadav's 4-fer

India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has said he has been asked by the Indian team management to take up the finisher's role in white-ball cricket going forward. Samson, who has mostly batted up the order in his career so far, is ready to bat lower down the order and finish games for India when required.

While Dinesh Karthik has been India's designated finisher in T20Is, the Men in Blue have looked up to the likes of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja to don the role in ODIs ever since the departure of the legendary MS Dhoni. Samson has been batting at no.5 for India in their ongoing ODI series against South Africa at home and has looked in good touch.

He slammed a brilliant knock of 86 runs in the first ODI against the Proteas and followed it up with a gritty 30 in the second ODI. Samson said he has been training to bat in several different positions and the message from the dressing room has been that he should be ready to finish games for India.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wish-i-could-walk-into-dravids-shoes-ashwin-when-asked-if-kohli-will-miss-both-practice-t20is-at-perth-524404">'Wish I could walk into Dravid's shoes': Ashwin when asked if Kohli will miss both practice T20Is at Perth</a>

"Absolutely, I have been practicing different kind of roles and I think last couple of years, I have put in time to understand different types of roles that I need to play in different teams. So, I am enjoying it," Samson told Star Sports ahead of the third and final ODI against South Africa on Tuesday.

"I have been given instructions to be ready to do this finishing role from last one year. Physically, I have been doing top-order batting but mentally I have been understanding the game better on how to react to situations better and how people have done it beautifully in the past. Learning from the history, so yes lot of learning has gone into this," he added.

With India's T20 World Cup squad already in Australia to prepare for the showpiece event that gets underway later this month, India have fielded a second-string side for the ODI series against South Africa under Shikhar Dhawan's captaincy.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1983-world-cup-hero-roger-binny-likely-to-replace-sourav-ganguly-as-bcci-president-524402">1983 World Cup hero Roger Binny likely to replace Sourav Ganguly as BCCI president</a>

Samson has kept the wickets throughout the series and has also been a regular in the middle order. He will be hoping to continue his fine form and look to make the most of opportunities coming his way in order to cement his spot in the Indian team.

India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has said he has been asked by the Indian team management to take up the finisher's role in white-ball cricket going forward.

India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has said he has been asked by the Indian team management to take up the finisher's role in white-ball cricket going forward. Samson, who has mostly batted up the order in his career so far, is ready to bat lower down the order and finish games for India when required. While Dinesh Karthik has been India's designated finisher in T20Is, the Men in Blue have looked up to the likes of Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja to don the role in ODIs ever since the departure of the legendary MS Dhoni. Samson has been batting at no.5 for India in their ongoing ODI series against South Africa at home and has looked in good touch. He slammed a brilliant knock of 86 runs in the first ODI against the Proteas and followed it up with a gritty 30 in the second ODI. Samson said he has been training to bat in several different positions and the message from the dressing room has been that he should be ready to finish games for India. Also Read: 'Wish I could walk into Dravid's shoes': Ashwin when asked if Kohli will miss both practice T20Is at Perth "Absolutely, I have been practicing different kind of roles and I think last couple of years, I have put in time to understand different types of roles that I need to play in different teams. So, I am enjoying it," Samson told Star Sports ahead of the third and final ODI against South Africa on Tuesday. "I have been given instructions to be ready to do this finishing role from last one year. Physically, I have been doing top-order batting but mentally I have been understanding the game better on how to react to situations better and how people have done it beautifully in the past. Learning from the history, so yes lot of learning has gone into this," he added. With India's T20 World Cup squad already in Australia to prepare for the showpiece event that gets underway later this month, India have fielded a second-string side for the ODI series against South Africa under Shikhar Dhawan's captaincy. Also Read: 1983 World Cup hero Roger Binny likely to replace Sourav Ganguly as BCCI president Samson has kept the wickets throughout the series and has also been a regular in the middle order. He will be hoping to continue his fine form and look to make the most of opportunities coming his way in order to cement his spot in the Indian team.

Sanju Samson to be India's new finisher? Star batter hints at new role from Indian team management

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IPL 2023: Samson, Hetmyer stage a comeback for the ages to help Rajasthan stun Gujarat in tense chase

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IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson fined for maintaining slow over-rate against CSK

IPL 2023: RR's Samson takes SCREMAER to dismiss DC's Shaw as Boult bowls double-wicket maiden again - WATCH

IPL 2023: RCB legend AB de Villiers backs Sanju Samson's leadership quality, says 'Samson may lead India soon'

IPL 2023: Big blow to Rajasthan Royals as Jos Buttler set to miss Delhi Capitals clash - Reports

IPL 2023: UNBELIEVABLE! Jason Holder pulls off a stunner in SRH vs RR clash - Watch video

IPL 2023: Updated squads of all 10 teams and their captains

'They will be lifting IPL 2023 trophy': Michael Vaughan's MASSIVE PREDICTION ahead of season-opener

IPL 2023: Sanju Samson turns back clock to reflect on team's show in 2022, says 'It was a dream performance'

If management had decided to back him, he must continue: Kapil Dev's brave remarks on SKY-Sanju comparison