IPL 2024: Sanju Samson's controversial dismissal sparks poor umpiring debate

Sanju Samson's impressive innings against the Delhi Capitals in a pursuit of 222 runs for the Rajasthan Royals concluded amidst controversy after the TV umpire adjudged him out in the IPL 2024 game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday.

Guiding a challenging chase with an aggressive half-century, his fifth of the season, Samson was dismissed in the 16th over, scoring 86 off 46 deliveries, with Shai Hope claiming a difficult catch at the long-on boundary.

Samson struck a length ball from Mukesh Kumar towards the deep, and Hope managed to grasp the ball while nearing the boundary cushion, attempting to maintain his balance. The on-field umpires promptly referred the decision to the third umpire.

While Hope appeared to graze the cushion from particular perspectives, TV umpire Michael Gough swiftly adjudged Samson to be out.

The Rajasthan skipper, who was halfway towards the dugout, retraced his steps to engage in an animated conversation with the on-field umpires. Samson also gestured for a DRS review of the TV umpire's decision but was ultimately dismissed.

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Despite captain Samson's 86, the Rajasthan Royals fell short by 20 runs. Chasing 222, Rajasthan lost both their openers in the powerplay but Samson kept the hopes of a win alive before he was dismissed by Mukesh Kumar in a controversial decision.

Earlier, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel scored fifties as the Delhi Capitals posted 221/8. Ravichandran Ashwin was the standout bowler with three wickets off his four overs. Yuzvendra Chahal became the first Indian to claim 350 T20 wickets as he dismissed Rishabh Pant.