IPL 2025: Sanju Samson displays on ‘surreal’ Rajasthan Royals journey | CricTracker

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson not too long ago mirrored on his long-standing affiliation with the franchise and his journey from being a younger participant below Rahul Dravid’s captaincy in 2013 to now captaining the aspect with Dravid as head coach. With IPL 2025 only a week away, Samson voiced his admiration for Dravid’s steering and management, calling the expertise of working with him as soon as once more surreal.

Dravid, who beforehand captained the Royals in IPL 2012 and 2013 earlier than taking over roles as workforce director and mentor within the 2014 and 2015 seasons, has now returned to the franchise as head coach. His teaching stint with the Indian nationwide workforce led to June 2024 after main them to their first ICC title in over a decade, the T20 World Cup victory.

In the meantime, Samson was first noticed by Dravid throughout trials for Rajasthan Royals in 2013, and now, greater than a decade later, he’s set to captain the workforce below Dravid’s steering. The Kerala batter opened up on his first interplay with the batting legend.

“It’s fairly humorous how issues work out. In my first season, Rahul sir was the one who noticed me throughout the trials. He was the captain again then, looking for younger expertise. After watching me, he got here as much as me and mentioned, ‘Okay, are you able to play for my workforce?’ From that day to at the moment, it feels surreal. Now, I’m the captain of the franchise, and Rahul sir has returned after so a few years to teach the workforce. It’s a singular and particular feeling. He was at all times a part of the Rajasthan Royals household, and we’re all grateful to have him again. I’m trying ahead to studying loads from him within the coming years, and it’s actually thrilling,” he mentioned on JioHotstar.

He additionally talked about about Dravid’s method in the direction of teaching and his dedication to the sport. Samson shared an incident about seeing Dravid in motion throughout coaching camps. 

“I’ve at all times noticed him from a distance and likewise been near him. He’s a top-notch skilled who ensures that each facet of preparation is taken care of. I used to be with him final month in Nagpur, Talegaon, and noticed how concerned he’s. From 10 AM within the morning until 5 PM within the night, within the warmth, he was there watching batsmen bat and bowlers bowl, interacting with them, discussing methods with the coaches. He’s totally dedicated to the workforce, from A to Z. That’s one thing I like and wish to study—how one can put together higher. Preparation is a key a part of his character, and I wish to incorporate that into my very own method,” he added.

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‘Even now, he’s totally immersed within the sport’ – Sanju Samson on Rahul Dravid

When requested whether or not the legendary batter ever will get drained, Samson revealed that even at this age, Dravid is totally concerned within the sport, and there’s a lot to study from his ardour for the game.

“That’s his love for the sport. That’s his tribute to cricket. I bear in mind sitting on the again and seeing him standing within the solar, close to the sight display, doing shadow observe all by himself. Even now, he’s totally immersed within the sport. There’s a lot to watch and study from his ardour,” Samson additional added.

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The 30-year-old went on to talk about Dravid, the captain. He careworn his method of main from the entrance, his communication expertise and dealing with totally different gamers. With the 18th version of cash-rich league approaching, the right-handed batter is trying ahead to utilizing the identical method.

“As a captain, I see how he led from the entrance—not simply by means of his expertise however off the sector as properly. He by no means missed an non-compulsory observe session when he was the captain. I noticed how he handled younger gamers within the dressing room, how he communicated with seniors, how he dealt with workforce conferences, and the way he welcomed new gamers. All these small however vital issues formed my understanding of management, and I attempt to observe the identical method,” the wicketkeeper-batter concluded.

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