Excellent to see both keepers make their case for T20 World Cup – Graeme Smith lauds Samson, KL Rahul for recent form

Former South African captain Graeme Smith hailed Sanju Samson and KL Rahul for their impressive recent form and putting their hat in the ring for T20 World Cup selection. Rahul and Samson were up against each other at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Saturday.

Rahuls’ LSG was able to post 196 runs on the board after the skipper played a crucial knock of 76 runs off 48 balls. The flamboyant batter scored eight fours and two sixes in his blistering knock but he was dismissed on a slower ball by Avesh Khan. Rahul added 115 runs with Deepak Hooda, who scored a 31-ball 50.

On the other hand, Sanju Samson scored a match-winning knock of 71 runs off 33 balls with seven fours and four sixes. Samson scored his runs at a strike rate of 215.15 and finished the game for his team as RR won by seven wickets.

“They (Rahul and Samson) needed to build a partnership. Rahul did it with (Deepak) Hooda and Sanju did it beautifully with Dhruv Jurel. The difference was that Sanju finished the game, while KL got out at a key phase. But it was brilliant to see both excellent players put their hands up for World Cup selection,” said Smith in JioCinema.

Meanwhile, former Australian gun fast bowler showered praise on Dhruv Jurel, who got back into form. The right-hander scored 52 runs off 34 balls and scored his maiden fifty of IPL 2024.

“He’s a quality batter. He’s got proper cricket shots. He can play all formats of the game and knows when to go through the gears as needed.

“His shots are classy and have the power to go towards the cow corner. He shows his class and continues to grow in stature,” said the New South Welshman.

Smith also concurred with Brett Lee and lauded the youngster for his fine knock. Jurel added 121 runs with Samson and got his team over the line.

“The run-chase looked easy. Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson had an incredible partnership to get them over the line. They had (Shimron) Hetmyer still to bat, so there was a lot in the tank, lots of match-winners with the bat and ball. That squad is looking very strong,” said Smith.

Rajasthan Royals will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Thursday.