Watch: Sanju Samson Pulls Off Dhoni-Like Run-Out Against Punjab Kings

In a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Rajasthan’s skipper and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson stole the show with a moment reminiscent of the legendary MS Dhoni. The match, held on Saturday (April 13), witnessed Samson’s quick reflexes and sharp cricketing acumen as he executed a run-out that turned the tide in favor of Rajasthan.

The pivotal moment occurred in the 18th over of Punjab’s innings when Ashutosh Sharma nudged a delivery from Yuzvendra Chahal towards the mid-wicket area. Liam Livingstone, partnered with Sharma, set off for a risky second run. However, as Livingstone attempted to turn back for the second run, he found himself short of the crease.

Tanush Kotian, stationed in the field, swiftly retrieved the ball and fired it towards the striker’s end. Despite Samson collecting the ball a few inches away from the stumps, he displayed remarkable agility to effect a direct hit, catching Livingstone short of his ground upon review.

This crucial run-out proved instrumental as Rajasthan eventually clinched the nail-biting encounter with just three wickets and one ball to spare, chasing down Punjab’s total of 147 runs.

Contributions from West Indian duo Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell played a significant role in Rajasthan’s successful chase. Hetmyer’s unbeaten 27 off 10 balls and Powell’s crucial 11 off 5, which included two boundaries in the penultimate over, ensured Rajasthan shrugged off their previous loss and maintained their winning momentum in the tournament.

Earlier in the match, Punjab Kings struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite commendable efforts from Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, and Ashutosh Sharma, who managed to cross the 20-run mark, Punjab could only muster a below-par total of 147/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

With this victory, Rajasthan Royals solidified their position at the top of the points table with five wins from six matches, while Punjab Kings languish at the eighth spot with four losses in five outings.

As the IPL season unfolds, Sanju Samson’s Dhoni-esque run-out stands out as a defining moment, showcasing his leadership skills and cricketing prowess on the field.