Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR), found himself on the wrong side of the umpire’s decision and the IPL’s code of conduct during his team’s narrow loss against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Tuesday.
A Match-Turning Dismissal
Chasing a challenging target of 222 set by DC, RR’s hopes heavily hinged on Samson’s blistering knock. He had emerged as the team’s top scorer, accumulating a quickfire 86 runs off just 46 deliveries. However, his impressive innings was cut short in the 16th over, sparking a moment of controversy.
Hope’s Catch Sparks Debate
Shai Hope, the DC fielder stationed at long-on, claimed a spectacular catch to dismiss Samson. The dismissal involved a tense on-field deliberation, with the on-field umpires unsure whether Hope’s foot had touched the boundary rope while taking the catch. Replays were inconclusive, prompting a referral to the third umpire, Michael Gough.
Third Umpire Upholds On-Field Call
After scrutinizing the replays, the third umpire ruled in favor of the on-field call, adjudging Hope to have completed a clean catch. This decision proved pivotal in the match, as RR needed a further 60 runs off just 27 balls at the time of Samson’s dismissal.
Samson’s Dissent Leads to Fine
Unconvinced with the decision, Samson engaged the on-field umpires, KN Ananthapadmanabhan and Ulhas Gandhe, in a prolonged discussion. His visible frustration and extended debate were deemed a violation of the IPL’s code of conduct, specifically Article 2.8 which pertains to showing dissent at an umpire’s call. Consequently, Samson was fined 30% of his match fees.
Samson Accepts Sanction
Following the match, it was revealed that Samson had admitted to the offense and accepted the match referee’s sanction.
Mixed Reactions to the Call
The dismissal sparked contrasting reactions from both teams. While the DC camp, including assistant coach Pravin Amre, lauded Hope’s exceptional catch and the umpire’s decision, the RR camp expressed some reservations.
Sangakkara Empathizes with Third Umpire’s Challenge
RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara acknowledged the difficulty of the third umpire’s decision, stating, “It depends on replays and angles, and sometimes you think the foot’s touched.” He further added, “But it is a difficult one for the third umpire to judge. The game was at a crucial stage, so that happens in cricket. We have different perspectives on it. At the end of the day, you have to stand by that decision in terms of what the umpires did.
Amre Praises Hope’s Catch
On the other hand, DC assistant coach Pravin Amre commended Hope for his remarkable catch, highlighting the crucial moment it created in the game. He remarked, “In IPL some moments are very crucial, and it [Hope’s catch] was a deciding moment in the game. Sanju was batting so well. We have to give credit to the way Hope judged that catch, he balanced himself [well] with that. Umpires are there, and there is so much technology. Once he is given out by the third umpire, it was more [clear]. We also thought from the dugout that he has [touched the boundary cushions] but it [happens] in the game, and the umpire’s decision is the final decision. It wasn’t an easy catch, it was really travelling. After the game also I spoke [to Hope], he anticipated that very well, but he said the ball came very, very fast.
A Close Call with Lasting Impact
The controversial dismissal of Sanju Samson undeniably played a significant role in the outcome of the match. While the debate regarding the catch may linger, the third umpire’s decision stands, and Samson’s fine serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting on-field calls within the IPL’s code of conduct.
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