Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson said that there will always be the pressure of repeating their last season’s showing where they reached the final of the IPL 2022 when they begin their IPL 2023 tournament.
RR will face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in both of their tournament opener in Hyderabad on April 2nd.
Speaking during RR’s jersey launch, Samson spoke about his journey with the team, saying the last 10 years have been thoroughly exciting and challenging. Samson had begun his IPL journey with RR in 2013, but moved to Delhi Capitals for two seasons, before returning home to Rajasthan.
“I joined Rajasthan Royals when I was just 18. Now I'm 28 and it's been a remarkable journey so far. The last ten years have been thoroughly exciting and challenging. This is my team and I always want to see RR doing well,” said Samson.
He further acknowledged that the pressure of matching last year’s show will always be there in the 2023 season, adding that it was a dream performance from the whole team.
“Pressure of matching last year's show will always be there. It was a dream performance by the entire team to reach the summit clash in 2022. Having reached the final last year, people will be expecting us to dazzle yet again. We have no choice but to play well and match last year's feat if not doing better,” Samson added.
Samson was also all praises for RR head coach and Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, saying that the team is fortunate to have him.
"We are fortunate to have Sangakkara as our coach. He is a legendary player and having him in the dressing room and on the ground while practising is a big boost for us. With his vast experience, we are always in the process of improving ourselves. He is constantly thinking of different strategies for the benefit of the squad,” said Samson.
RR will look forward to clinching the title this season especially after faltering at the final step last season.
(Times of India inputs)
