IPL 2021: Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals will face each other in the second phase of IPL 2021 tomorrow. However, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has made a big statement ahead of the match, saying he is extremely disappointed that he has not found a place in Team India for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Sanju said, "Representing India in the World Cup has always been my dream and I am fairly disappointed for not being included in the squad." He added, "Now is not the time to regret, but to focus and perform better in the IPL."  


Sanju said, "Now that Team India has been selected for the T20 World Cup, this thing will not distract me any more. I can put all my focus and energy in this second phase of IPL. Although I find it disappointing not to be a part of Team India, playing World Cup for India is the biggest dream any cricket player could have and I too have been waiting for this dream to be fulfilled for a long time."


At the same time, he said, "As it is always said that the selection in the team is not in the hands of the players, so at this time it is important that you focus on what is in your control as a player. You decisions and actions should reflect this maturity."


Sri Lanka tour failure led to Sanju not being selected:  






Sanju Samson's talent has always been unquestionably good. However, the only thing he lags is consistency. Sanju Samson, 26, batted well in the first phase of the IPL played in India. However, in the three-match T20 series played on the tour of Sri Lanka, Sanju managed to score a meagre 34 runs at an average of 11.33. His performance in this tour proved to be a hurdle in this selection for the T20 team. 


Sanju has said that his team would play with a 'Do or Die' attitude in the second phase of the IPL. He said, "Last year we finished eighth in the IPL played in UAE. Our goal this year is to win this championship. For this we have to focus on our process and preparation. We would only be thinking and planning on one match at a time." He added, "We have come prepared to give our best on the field, irrespective of which team we are playing against. We would only be keeping a fearless attitude on pitch."


RR fifth in points table:


RR is currently fifth on the points table, with six points from seven matches. The team had won three matches in the first phase of the IPL played in India, while losing four matches. The team can easily qualify for the playoffs if they win four of their remaining seven matches. 


RR will play their first match in the second phase of IPL 2021 against Punjab Kings tomorrow. If they end up winning this match, they will have the same number of points as Mumbai Indians and will have a chance to take down Mumbai Indians to dominate the fifth spot.