IPL 2022: Ashwin has done a great job for us, says Sanju Samson after Rajasthan's five-wicket win over CSK

Rajasthan Royals' (RR) skipper Sanju Samson praised all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin for his superb performance that helped them to a five-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Brabourne Stadium here on Friday. It ensured RR a top-two finish in the playoffs bracket. Rajasthan restricted Chennai to 150/6 despite Moeen Ali blasting a 19-ball half-century on his way to a 57-ball 93. After conceding 75/1 in the first six overs, RR gave away 75 in the remaining 14 overs. Chasing 151 for victory, Yashasvi Jaiswal (59) and Ravichandran Ashwin (40 not out, 23 balls) ensured Rajasthan Royals reached 151/5 in 19.4 overs to secure their ninth victory in 14 matches.

Read AlsoIPL 2022, RR vs CSK: Ashwin's all-round show seals top-two finish for Rajasthan Royals

Chasing 151, Royals began in a chancy fashion and lost Jos Buttler early, but opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (59 off 43 balls) played the perfect anchor before Ashwin struck a fluent, unbeaten 40 off 23 balls to take the team home. Again, it was collective potential and zeal that proved too strong for CSK.

"Ashwin has done a great job and has turned out to be a great all-rounder for us," said Samson after the India off-spinner was declared the 'Player of the Match' for his superb knock that guided his team to victory. Samson was obviously happy with the way his team defeated CSK despite some anxious moments. "Feels good. The way we've played throughout the league stage stands out. We've had great games where almost everyone has stood up to win games. We deserve to be in this position is what I feel," Samson said during the post-match presentation on Friday.

He gave credit to his bowlers for the way they fought back after Moeen and Devon Conway had blasted 75 runs in the