Indian World Cup winner S Sreesanth recalled the memories of him introducing young Sanju Samson to Rahul Dravid during their playing days in Rajasthan Royals and how he told the former Indian captain that Kerala’s wicketkeeper-batter had smashed him for six sixes.
Rahul Dravid led the Rajasthan Royals in 2013, and Sreesanth had some influence in the dressing room winning two World Cups for India. The bowler was certain that Sanju deserved a spot in the Royals team after witnessing his courageous batting as a youngster in Kerala.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, S Sreesanth revealed that he lied to Rahul Dravid while introducing Sanju Samson to him during the Rajasthan Royals trials. He said that Dravid was persuaded to include the wicketkeeper-batter in the team because he didn’t want Samson to take part in any other team’s trials.
“Rahul bhai listened to me when I introduced Sanju to him, I lied to him, I said, ‘This kid hit me for six sixes in a local tournament’. Rahul bhai said, ‘Shree, kuch bhi bol, ye kyu bol raha hai?’ (Say anything, why are you lying like this)”
“He didn’t do too well in a few practice games, But when Rahul bhai saw him bat he was convinced, came to me, and said, ‘Sree, don’t let this Sanju guy go to any other selection, we are signing him. Whether or not he’d get matches, I don’t know but we would like to sign him,” S Sreesanth said.
Sanju Samson‘s first appearance in the IPL came way back on April 14, 2013, when he represented the Rajasthan Royals against Kings XI Punjab. Apart from the two seasons, he spent with the Delhi Capitals in 2016 and 2017, Samson has remained an integral part of the RR set-up in all other seasons since 2013.
I Am Grateful To Sanju Samson That I Could Meet Him At The Correct Time – S Sreesanth
S Sreesanth does not want to detract from Sanju Samson’s achievement in the game, as every player stands up for himself and works hard to reach particular goals. He feels that if someone is in a position to help the young players, they should do so, and he was glad to meet and recruit Sanju Samson to the squad.
“We can’t make or break any player, They stand up themselves and it’s their hard work that brings them success. I have always tried to introduce people to young players. I used to do that even before playing for India”.
“If you are in a position of power where you meet powerful people and if you can help your people or locals through them, then you should. I am grateful to Sanju that I could meet him at the correct time,” S Sreesanth added.
Sanju Samson has shown consistency in the ODI format of the game but the team has opted to go with Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper batters for the marquee event in India. The duo has done a splendid job for the team in the given opportunities in recent times.