Rajasthan Royals (RR) fast bowler Sandeep Sharma praised the team management, including head coach Kumar Sangakkara and captain Sanju Samson, for their supportive approach towards the bowlers, which has contributed to the team’s success in the ongoing IPL 2024 season. Sandeep, who recently picked up his maiden 5-wicket haul in T20 cricket, was instrumental in RR’s dominant 9-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Speaking to the press after receiving the Player of the Match award, Sandeep expressed his appreciation for the positive environment within the team. He credited Sanju Samson for being a bowlers’ captain, allowing the bowlers the freedom to express themselves and set their own fields.
Sandeep Sharma talks about Sanju Samson
“It’s just a happy environment and very positive. Our management is really good, they are allowing everyone to go and express themselves, and I would say Sanju is doing a great job. He gives a lot of freedom to the bowlers and asks them to set their fields and bowl according to that. I would say that freedom and, at the same time, a good environment. That is getting us the results,” Sandeep said.
Sandeep also revealed that he received assurance from the team management that he would find a place in the playing XI as soon as he recovered from a side strain, which kept him out of action for five games. His return to the team proved to be impactful, as he immediately made a mark with his performance against MI.
Sandeep talks about the head coach
He further praised Kumar Sangakkara for his exceptional ability to understand and manage the players, stating, “Obviously, he has played enough cricket to understand everyone’s mind, and he knows how to motivate. If you have not done well, he knows what to talk about. Somehow, he always comes up with the right words and what he needs to say. I am so surprised how he does that!”
In the match against MI, Sandeep Sharma bowled with precision, picking up key wickets including those of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav early in the innings. He returned at the death to dismiss Tilak Varma, Tim David, and Gerald Coetzee, finishing with figures of 5 for 34.
Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s unbeaten century, Sandeep Sharma’s stellar bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award. With this win, RR solidified their position at the top of the IPL 2024 points table, having won seven out of their eight matches so far in the tournament.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
