Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson revealed that he already knew that he was going to be the new captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR) before it was publically announced ahead of the upcoming 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.
The Kerala star further said it was tough to keep the news to himself after getting to know he is the next Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain and even he had shared the news with his parents and wife Charu.
After he was officially announced as RR captain ahead of the IPL 2021, the 26-year-old got congratulatory texts from Indian captain Virat Kohli, vice-captain Rohit Sharma, and former captain MS Dhoni.
Sanju also said he is a comfortable place and has great confidence to go ahead with the new role in the upcoming IPL 14 starting April 9.
Read Also: IPL 2021: Two ground staff and one plumber found COVID-19 positive at Wankhede Stadium
Samson told Hindustan Times, “It was tough keeping it to myself. I got some nice congratulatory messages from Virat bhai, Rohit bhai, and Mahi bhai.”
He further added, “The fact that my team and the franchise trust me to do this job gives great confidence that there is something in me. I firmly believe that a captain is only good if the team is good. The Royals have a quality bunch of great players and amazing support staff backing them.
I’ve known most of them for years; they are like family. So, I’m in a comfortable space with the people I have around me. I have been part of the Royals from my teen days in 2013.”
The wicketkeeper is also excited to work with Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara who is RR’s Director of Cricket for the IPL 2021, saying the wicket-keepers are the best judge on the cricket field as they can “can see a lot more things, analyze the game better and is one step ahead.”
He continued, “Sanga is a legend; not just because of his cricket. He knows exactly where I am coming from, what I will be feeling and going through playing for my country, and leading an IPL team at this age. I couldn’t have asked for anything more than having Sanga as my partner in this role.”
The new captain has asked his RR teammates to play a fearless brand of cricket in the upcoming IPL 14, where they play their first match against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 12.
Samson signed off by saying, “I don’t think we did too much wrong in the last season. If you look at our XI on paper, we’re one of the best. If we are in the right mindset as a team, I believe good things are ahead of us.
This format demands a lot of fearless cricket, be it in batting, bowling, or fielding. It’s all about speed, power, and expressing yourself. That’s what I expect from my team.”
