Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag opened up on the tactical masterstroke that led to the early dismissal of Sanju Samson during their IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings.
Samson, a key batter for the opposition, managed just 6 runs off 7 balls before being clean bowled by Nandre Burger, as RR executed a well-thought-out strategy to perfection.
Reading Samson early
Parag, leading Rajasthan Royals as full-time captain for the first time, said the plan was built around analysing Samson’s early approach at the crease.
“I feel for Sanju bhai, it was the first three or four balls that we wanted to execute something. That kind of went well, so we went ahead with it,” Parag explained after the match.
He revealed that the team closely monitored where Samson tends to play his initial deliveries and set the field accordingly to restrict his natural scoring areas.
Forcing the risky shot
According to Parag, the dismissal wasn’t accidental—it was engineered.
“Let’s say the shot he got out to, we would have wanted him to hit that shot instead of bowling short to him and him pulling it because he likes that,” he said.
By denying Samson his preferred options, RR forced him into attempting a less comfortable stroke—ultimately leading to his downfall.
Calculated gamble pays off
Parag admitted that such strategies come with risks but are often necessary in T20 cricket.
“We try and make decisions a little uncomfortable for the batsman… it’s a gamble. If it comes off, it looks very good. If it doesn’t and he hits a few boundaries, I’ll be sitting here like a dumb duck,” he added with a smile.
The plan worked perfectly on the day, giving RR an early breakthrough and setting the tone for the match.
Captaincy maturity on display
Despite his young age, Parag’s tactical awareness and understanding of teammates’ strengths and weaknesses stood out. Having shared the dressing room with Samson for years, his insight proved invaluable.
The dismissal highlighted how modern T20 cricket increasingly revolves around data-driven matchups, situational awareness, and bold decision-making.
Conclusion
Riyan Parag’s clever field placement and bowling strategy showcased sharp captaincy instincts, as Rajasthan Royals successfully neutralised a dangerous batter early. By forcing Sanju Samson into a pre-planned trap, RR demonstrated how preparation and execution can decisively influence the outcome in high-pressure IPL encounters.