IPL 2024: Hitting the Panic Button? Samson ponders RR's Woeful Run Entering Playoffs
Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson admitted that the former champions need to take a step back and assess what is going wrong amid a four-match losing streak. Rajasthan were handed a five-wicket defeat by PBKS, who are back at the bottom of the IPL 2024 points table, a day after they sealed a place in the playoffs. Rajasthan could only manage 144 for 9 in 20 overs on a sluggish pitch at Guwahati's Barsapara Stadium, after which PBKS chased down the target in just 18.5 overs despite losing four early wickets.
Rajasthan topped the points table with 8 wins from their first 9 matches, but after four consecutive defeats they are in danger of losing their place in the top two. Known for losing momentum at the business end of the tournament, Rajasthan have done it again as the big name players lose form at the crunch stage.
Speaking after the defeat in Guwahati, Sanju Samson did not mince words as he urged his big-name players to step up and get the job done.
"Quite frankly, we have to sit back and admit that we're going through some failures. You have to figure out what's not working well as a team. When you get to the business end, we need to point the finger. .I will win this game for the team, said Sanju Samson. Rajasthan will take on table-toppers KKR in their final league match on Sunday, May 19 in Guwahati. Even if they beat KKR, RR will not be guaranteed a top-two finish as Sunrisers, who are fourth with 14 points from 12 matches, can overtake them from second place. Teams finishing in the top two have an additional chance to reach the finals. The loser of Qualifier 1 (1 vs 2) will face the winner of Eliminator (3 vs 4) for a spot in the title match.
The @PunjabKingsIPL are roaring at the moment in Guwahati 🦁#RR lose their skipper & debutant in quick succession!
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 15, 2024
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #RRvPBKS pic.twitter.com/PjYTCBaB0X
On Wednesday, Rajasthan's batting flopped at their new home venue - Guwahati. Yashshwi Jaiswal was dismissed in the first over and Rajasthan lost Jos Buttler, who returned to England ahead of the home series against Pakistan. Tom Kohler-Cadmore scored 18 off 23 balls while Sanju Samson was dismissed for 18. Ryan Parag (48) and R Ashwin (28) helped RR to 144, but it was not enough for the home team. PBKS rode on Sam Curran's 41-ball unbeaten 63 to help PBKS successfully chase down the target and move to the bottom of the points table.