'Rajat Patidar did what Sanju Samson couldn’t' - Matthew Hayden after RCB's Eliminator victory

RCB’s Rajat Patidar played a scintillating knock of unbeaten 112 runs off 54 against LSG in the IPL 2022 Eliminator at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This inning has earned him a lot of praises from the global cricket fraternity as RCB finally managed to break the Eliminator jinx due to his contribution.

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden was impressed by Patidar’s innings. Hayden said that Patidar did what Sanju Samson failed to do in Qualifier 1 for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans. Despite having a blistering start to the innings, Samson was unable to capitalize and hence, failed to put up a big score.

“Rajat Patidar did what Sanju Samson couldn’t. It was his night. Look at his wagon wheel, there were some huge hits through the onside but he played attractive strokes through the offside too. Simply superb innings,” Hayden told Star Sports.

In Qualifier 1, RR captain Sanju Samson scored a quickfire 47 runs off 26 balls, including five fours and three sixes. But, when he looked all set for a big score, he lost his wicket to R Sai Kishore. On the other hand, Patidar was under some pressure as he came out to bat at no.3 just after RCB captain Faf du Plessis’s golden duck. He showed composure and played his shots freely to bring up his maiden IPL ton in style. He smashed 12 fours and seven huge sixes at a strike rate of 207.41.

During the post-match presentation ceremony, RCB captain Faf du Plessis heaped high on Patidar for his brilliant knock.

“Today was a special day. The guys put in a special performance. Over the moon. For a young guy to play as he did. The way he celebrated also tells you he has a good head on his shoulders. His hundred was one of the best I have seen in the IPL,” said du Plessis.