With 32 IPL wins as Rajasthan Royals skipper, Sanju Samson moves past Shane Warne, powering RR to a dominant victory over Punjab Kings.
“Proud to Carry the Legacy”: Sanju Samson Becomes Most Successful RR Captain, Surpasses Shane Warne
Mullanpur (New Chandigarh), April 6: Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson etched his name into IPL history on Saturday as he surpassed the legendary Shane Warne to become the most successful captain in the franchise’s history.
With RR’s 50-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Samson secured his 32nd victory as captain—edging past Warne’s 31, who led the side from 2008 to 2011, famously winning the inaugural IPL.
Leading RR since 2021, Samson has guided the franchise to 32 wins, 29 losses, and one no result, including a runner-up finish in 2022. Reflecting on his journey, fans and former players hailed Samson’s calm leadership and ability to blend youthful talent with experienced performers.
The match saw Rajasthan Royals dominate right from the start. Opting to bat first, the visitors were powered by a fiery 89-run stand between Yashasvi Jaiswal (67 off 45) and Samson himself, who chipped in with a fluent 38 off 26 balls.
The finishing touches came courtesy of Riyan Parag (43 off 25)* and Shimron Hetmyer (20 off 12), as RR posted a commanding 205/4.
In reply, PBKS were rocked early by Jofra Archer (3/25), reducing them to 43/4. Though Nehal Wadhera (62) and Glenn Maxwell (30) added 88 runs and briefly revived hopes for the hosts, the Royals’ bowlers tightened their grip. Sandeep Sharma (2/21) and Maheesh Theekshana (2/26) ensured no late drama as PBKS crumbled to 155/9 in their 20 overs.
Brief Scores:
Rajasthan Royals – 205/4 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 67, Sanju Samson 38, Riyan Parag 43*; Lockie Ferguson 2/37)
Punjab Kings – 155/9 in 20 overs (Nehal Wadhera 62, Glenn Maxwell 30; Jofra Archer 3/25, Sandeep Sharma 2/21)