Sanju Samson's new avatar: Spin domination, six-hitting spree

WITH TWO SUCCESSIVE half-centuries under his belt, Sanju Samson is signalling a move to a new batting dimension in the IPL.

- LALITH KALIDAS

As the Rajasthan Royals found themselves in a dicey situation against the Gujarat Titans at home on Wednesday, Samson commanded attention with an unbeaten 68 off 38 balls that lifted his team to 196.

Entering in the fifth over, Samson picked his battles wisely against lead spinners Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad before breaking free at the death.

There were two contrasting hundreds in the Rajasthan Royals-Royal Challengers Bengaluru game last weekend, but it was a half-century that caught the eye for more than one reason.

Samson's 69 off 42 balls not only played a key role in RR reaching the target of 184 with plenty to spare, but also showed a new side of the captain's batting his improved prowess against spin. 

He has been found wanting against tweakers in the past, but in that game, took them down meticulously.