My wicket finished the game for Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson

Mumbai, May 2 (IANS) Rajasthan Royals batsman Sanju Samson said that his wicket in the Indian Premier League (IPL) game against Mumbai Indians here finished the chances of a victory for the visitors.

Put in to bat, the home side piled on a challenging 187/5 in 20 overs at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday. In reply, despite Samson's splendid knock of 76 in just 46 balls, Royals fell short by eight runs.

"The over in which I got out, that was the over that finished the game. I just tried to up the scoring rate, this time it didn't happen. Hopefully, it will happen the next time," Samson said.

"I was aiming to get maximum runs in that over as Lasith Malinga was about to bowl the next. I got the ball in my area and I hit it and that's what happened."

Despite failing to make an impact in previous games, Samson said he was well-backed and supported by the coaching staff of the team.

"Talking about my season, it was a bit tough for me. I thank the Royals team management, Rahul Dravid sir, Paddy Upton and each and every staff in our team. Each team member and the management support me a lot. When we do not perform well, I find too many people from our group coming up and speaking positive things," Samson said.

The 20-year-old said he could bat in any position when his team needed him to.

"I am always ready to bat up the order of anywhere in the line-up. Our team management likes to put players in the right situation. Today it was my turn to go and perform for my team," he said.