Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals (RR), is a well-known figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his calm demeanour and exceptional cricketing skills, he has been a significant contributor to his team’s success.
However, during a recent match against the Delhi Capitals (DC), Samson found himself in a situation that sparked discussions about sportsmanship and the IPL Code of Conduct.
Sanju Samson’s controversial dismissal
The match, held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was a high-stakes game. The RR, led by Samson, were chasing a formidable target set by the DC. Samson, known for his explosive batting, was in fine form, scoring a majestic 86 off just 46 balls. However, a controversial incident occurred in the 16th over that would mar the otherwise thrilling match.
Samson was declared out after Shai Hope took a catch near the boundary ropes. The question was whether Hope’s feet had touched the boundary ropes while taking the catch. The third umpire ruled Samson out, but the RR skipper was not happy. He initially started walking towards the pavilion, only to return to the middle and have some words with the on-field umpires.
Sanju Samson was unhappy with the decision by the 3rd umpire. pic.twitter.com/7cxCBORnjT
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 7, 2024
This incident led to Samson being fined 30 per cent of his match fees for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. The specific offence committed by Samson was not specified, but it could be for arguing with the umpires when he was given out. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum and respect for the umpire’s decision, which is a fundamental aspect of the game.
The IPL Code of Conduct is in place to ensure that the spirit of the game is upheld at all times. It includes provisions for “excessive, obvious disappointment with an Umpire’s decision; an obvious delay in resuming play or leaving the wicket; requesting a referral to the TV Umpire and arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the Umpire about his/her decision”. These rules are designed to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that all players, regardless of their stature or role in the team, adhere to the same standards of conduct.