Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals captain may not have taken IPL 2022 by storm with match-winning knocks but his multiple impactful innings while batting at number 3 and 4 played a crucial role in RR’s one of the best seasons in recent times.
But what was more impressive than his batting, which is not an unknown commodity in IPL now, was the way he led the Royals this year. Sanju Samson, who was appointed as the RR captain last year, was one of the most impressive captains in this edition of the tournament along with champions Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya.
Sanju Samson Reckons He Is Different From MS Dhoni Or Rahul Dravid
Sanju Samson led IPL 2008 inaugural winners RR to their first-ever IPL final in 14 years. The men in pink and blue failed to cross the final hurdle as they were beaten by the best team of the tournament GT but the Sanju Samson-led side showed that they are not far from their second IPL title. Sanju Samson had said he loves Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni’s captaincy skills but doesn’t want to emulate them.
“I am different from Dravid or Dhoni, or anyone else. So, I try to be as natural as I am. Primarily, I try to assess the mood of the team. Often, they are all pumped up and so needn’t tell them that you should try your best. It’s sometimes the stupidest thing you would tell because everyone wants to perform to the best of their skills,” he had said after being appointed as the RR skipper last year.
Sanju Samson, who had spent a lot of time with Rahul Dravid when he was with the India A side, said the legendary former India captain also ‘inspired’ the players to give their best on the field.
“His speeches were profound. He often spoke of the higher purpose of life. His words had a hypnotic power to hold our attention for a long time. But as much as his speeches, he was so caring and understanding. He loved us, and thus inspired us to produce our best. That’s the atmosphere we are trying to create in Rajasthan,” he had said.
Sanju Samson scored 458 runs in 17 matches this year at an impressive strike rate of 147 but was ignored for the South Africa T20I series.
Sanju Samson Wasn’t Picked For South Africa 5 Match T20I Home Series
The right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, was, however, not included in India’s T20 side for the five-match home series against South Africa starting on June 9. Sanju Samson has played 13 T20Is for India since 2015 but has managed just 174 runs at a below-par average of 14.50. He also played 1 ODI scoring 46 in the 2021 Sri Lanka tour.
He wasn’t selected for the upcoming South Africa 5 Match T20I home series with Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, and Dinesh Karthik getting preference.
Sanju Samson has scored 458 runs in 17 IPL 2022 games so far averaging a decent 28.63 at an impressive strike rate of 146.79 with 2 fifties. Sanju Samson played a fine inning for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the first Qualifier of the IPL playoffs, at Eden Garden in Kolkata. He bludgeoned 47 off 26 balls at a strike rate of 180, his knock including five fours and three sixes.
Sanju Samson is leading his franchise Rajasthan Royals for the second season in a row, having made his IPL debut for the franchise back in 2013. In IPL 2021, Sanju Samson had scored 484 runs in 14 games at 40.33 and with a strike rate of 136.72 which included a century and two half-centuries. In IPL 2020, he had scored 375 runs in as many games at a strike rate of 158.89 with three half-centuries.