The 26-year-old Sanju Samson, who started his IPL career back in 2012 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who won the title that year, was signed by the Rajasthan Royals (RR) next year and became a vital member of their playing XI and now will be leading the franchise in IPL 2021.

Samson who is excited about beginning the IPL campaign as a skipper of RR feels that captaincy should not come into the mind while batting.

“You're a captain when you are fielding. When you are batting, there are specific roles given to everyone and you just need to do the same role. You don't have to allow captaincy to come into your head while you are batting,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

When asked about being ready for this role, the right-hand batsman said, “If you had asked me the question two years ago or if you would have given me this role two years ago, I would have said, no, I need some more time, I'm figuring out my own game. But now I feel that I'm mature enough to handle my own game and handle this role. So I feel that I'm ready to do this.”

IPL 2021: "I knew that I would be the next Rajasthan Royals captain," says Sanju Samson

“I like to carry everyone with me. I am very much flexible in understanding people. I understand that people are different, and they have their different mindsets and characters, but at the same time, I need everyone with me,” he added.

Sanju Samson and Co. will be taking the field against KL Rahul’s Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their tournament opener on 12 April at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

(With ESPNcricinfo inputs)