Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) played an away game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday, April 5.
Rajasthan Royals won the match against the Punjab Kings by 50 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
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The way we started in the powerplay, we thought we were running a bit short – Sanju Samson
Batting first in the match, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) posted a huge total of 205/4 on the board, thanks to sensational batting performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and others.
Defending the total, Jofra Archer provided his team with a great start by picking two wickets in the first over. From thereon, RR bowlers maintained the pressure and restricted PBKS to 155/9 in 20 overs.
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Sanju Samson said that they got a good score on the board and lauded his young batting unit. He stated:
“The way we started in the powerplay, we thought we were running a bit short but the quality of the batters we have got, 205 was a very good score on the board. Very young batting lineup, very young in age but they have played a lot of games for the country. They are managing and playing the game very well.”
One guy bowling at 150 and one guy at 115 – Sanju Samson hilariously mocks Sandeep Sharma
Sanju Samson labeled the pace-bowling duo of Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma as a deadly combo but also took a cheeky dig at Sandeep’s inability to bowl at a quick pace. He elaborated:
“(on Archer and Sandeep) That’s a very deadly combo,. one guy bowling at 150 and one guy at 115. (on being told Sandeep hit 130kph) Oh did he? we should cut a cake on that. I can trust them a bit more with the pressure overs. (on Archer) We all love it when he bowls fast. Doing it for me in the last 4 years, he is one of the best guys in India right now bowling fast.”
Sanju Samson further said that they were not taking things lightly even after picking quick wickets as Punjab Kings are a quality opposition. He said:
“We did have a small meeting in the timeout and I suggested they are a quality side and we can’t take it easy. Till the last ball is bowled, we can’t guarantee a win. We focused on the process and the result took care of itself. We took our time to find out what the best combination and lineups and orders are, injuries we have to take care as this is a long tournament.”
How did RR perform in the previous IPL match against PBKS?
Rajasthan Royals (RR) suffered a 5-wicket loss against the Punjab Kings in their previous Indian Premier League match in Guwahati. Opting to bat first, RR lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early as he was cleaned up by Sam Curran. While Sanju Samson and Tom Kohler-Cadmore tried to rebuild, they struggled on a slow pitch, falling for 18 each.
The young batter Riyan Parag was top performer for RR with the bat, scoring a gritty 48 while Ravichandran Ashwin’s 28-run knock provided some momentum to the team. However, the batting collapse meant that the Royals went from 92/3 to 144/9, with PBKS bowlers dominating the game.
Defending the score, RR started well. Boult dismissed Prabhsimran Singh early, and Avesh Khan’s double blow had PBKS at 36/3. They picked more quick wickets and PBKS were reduced to 111/5. However, Sam Curran put pressure back on RR and took the game away with his unbeaten 63-run knock as the run-chase was completed in 18.5 overs.
