Captain Sanju Samson, while acknowledging the amusing nature of the recurring mishaps, also issued a reminder to his team regarding the importance of fielding.
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During the penultimate over of the first innings of Punjab Kings, a miscued shot from Ashutosh Sharma off a delivery from fast bowler Avesh Khan led to a collision between Samson and Avesh as they both attempted to claim the catch.
However, neither managed to complete the dismissal, allowing the batsman to capitalize and score valuable runs for Punjab Kings.
Reflecting on the incident during the post-match presentation, Samson lightened the mood by remarking on Rajasthan’s tendency for such high-catch instances.
“We had a few funny instances from last year and this year. But I am really happy that everyone is eager to go and catch it. I would be very sad if people are just staying away and not catching it,” he quipped, eliciting laughter from the presenter and the audience.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by noisy crowds and the difficulty in communication during such moments, Samson emphasized the importance of fielders maintaining focus. He directed a firm message to his fast bowlers, highlighting that such catches are easier for wicketkeepers like himself than for fielders.
“It gets a bit tough actually – the stadium is full of noise and when people call, we are looking at the ball, we can’t see who is coming. I need to tell my fast bowlers that it’s a bit easier to catch with the gloves instead of hands,” he emphasized, underlining the significance of fielding in the team’s overall performance.
Samson’s light-hearted yet firm approach underscores the Royals’ commitment to improving their fielding standards while maintaining a positive spirit amidst the occasional mishaps on the field.