Sanju Samson was involved in an animated chat with the on-field umpires after a controversial boundary catch ended his knock of 86 during Rajasthan Royals’ game with Delhi Capitals in the 2024 Indian Premier League on Tuesday (May 7).

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The RR skipper made a well-made 86 in the run chase of 222, hitting six sixes in 46 deliveries. He was en route to his first IPL ton in three years before a controversial catch ended his stay at the crease. On the fourth ball of the 16th ball, sent down by Mukesh Kumar, the wicketkeeper hit the delivery down the ground but did not get enough power as Shai Hope managed to grab it inches away from the boundary rope. Samson started walking off after being given out by the on-field umpire.

Out or not out?

The decision was referred to the TV umpire as it seemed the fielder’s foot had touched the boundary rope. However, replays were unclear and inconclusive. Samson, who had nearly reached the dugout by then, turned around upon seeing the replays, back to the umpires in the middle and was seen having a lengthy conversation with the officials.

In the dugout, mentor Kumar Sangakkara seemed miffed and signalled that the fielder could be touching the rope. Despite a few wobbly movements by Hope in the end, the final decision was that the catch had been taken cleanly. On the other side, Delhi’s owner Parth Jindal kept signalling that he was out and that Samson should walk back.

The TV screens flashed ‘Out’ in the end and Samson’s incredible knock came to an end. It proved to be the game-changer as Rajasthan succumbed to their second successive defeat, losing to Delhi by 20 runs, failing to chase 221.

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