IPL 2024: Samson’s controversial dismissal shifted the momentum, says Pragyan Ojha

Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha feels Sanju Samson’s controversial dismissal shifted the momentum in Delhi Capitals’ favor at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday. DC went on to register a 20-run win against Rajasthan Royals as the latter could only manage 201-8 in the run-chase of 222.

A lot of cricket boffins reckons that third umpire Michael Gough should have taken a bit more time before coming to a conclusion. However, on replays, there was no movement of the boundary cushions when Shai Hope took a tight catch at long-on.

After Samson’s dismissal, RR lost four wickets for 32 runs as the lower-middle order could not get the job done. RR was in a dominating position to get over the line when Samson was batting but the impetus shifted after his dismissal.

“We have to keep in mind that it was the wicket of an important player and also realize that we have the technology to take more time and get a proper look at it. The match depended on this, as the wicket that fell, shifted the momentum of the match. The debate has been if Hope’s leg touched the rope or if it was a shadow. If you took the time to see it and analyze it, maybe they would have gotten more clarity. Even Sanju knew the match was in jeopardy based on the questions he was asking. If he kept playing, maybe his team would have had a Q next to their name tonight,” Pragyan Ojha, JioCinema IPL expert, said.

Samson scored a fine knock of 86 runs off just 46 balls with the help of eight fours and six sixes. It looked like that he would get his team over the line if he had stayed till the end but none of the other RR’s batters could cross the 30-run mark.

The inaugural champions will next take on Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.