Indian young sensational wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson has credited Rahul Dravid for his success in the domestic circuit. The 21-year old had a near perfect start to the Ranji Trophy as he constructed his innings to perfection and made a century in the first match of the tournament.
Sanju Samson has been working with Rahul Dravid for the past few years with the duo first met during their time at Rajasthan Royals. Rahul Dravid since then has gone on to coach him at India A level as well as at Delhi daredevils franchise earlier this summer.
“I’m learning a lot from him (Dravid). Each and every youngster who comes out from any India A tour is a better player. We keep on learning each and every day in every practice session. He is someone who can mentor us like anything. It’s a blessing for every youngster in India A side to be mentored by Dravid Sir. We really enjoy his company,” Samson said.
Speaking about the way he approaches the innings, “You’ve to learn the situation, read the bowlers’ mind. You just can’t go out there and smash every ball. You’ve to stay out there and sometimes you may look ugly because the bowler is also prepared and he’s also there to take wickets. We should respect the bowlers,” he said.
“I’ve learnt a lot of things. I can just go on the whole day. Dravid Sir has taught me how to be a better cricketer. I’ve to be a better batsman to play in all three formats.”
Speaking about his wicketkeeping skills, Samson said, “Wriddhi bhai (Wriddhiman) is a legend for me, a great wicket-keeper, and a humble guy. I really love the way he keeps wickets. He is also contributing well in the middle-order.
“I also really learnt a lot from Dhoni bhai in the ODIs and T20s, and Saha bhai in Tests. You always get inspired watching them,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said.
“A wicketkeeper-batsman does the job of an all-rounder. If I didn’t score well, I would have contributed as a wicket-keeper. I really enjoy wicket-keeping and I am looking forward to being better behind the stumps.”
The 21-year old is expected to be the next big wicket-keeper batsman in India who has the potential to replace MS Dhoni as a keeper-batsman post his retirement as he has the right attitude and technique to make it big with the Indian cricket team in the coming years.