Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni has ruled the cricketing world and made a big impact at the highest level with his sheer brilliance both as captain and wicketkeeper-batsman despite coming from a city not known for its cricketing history – Ranchi and became a motivation for many.

Dhoni has been an inspiration and motivation for many, right from his early days in international cricket, and made Ranchi famous with his success – which provides extra motivation to Sanju Samson who also hails from a place with 'no cricketing history' – Kerala, a football-loving state.

Samson told Gulf News: “Yes, Dhoni Bhai has inspired all of us from the day he came to play for India in the first match against Bangladesh and then scored that famous century against Pakistan.”

He further added, “His success provides extra motivation for me as he came from Ranchi to become one of the all-time greats of the game while I hail from Kerala - both places no cricketing history.”

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The 25-year-old isn’t getting regular opportunities with the Indian cricket team has played for India in January 2020, 5 years after his international debut due to the presence of MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul.

Reacting to his India chances, Samson said: “No, I don't think of replacing anybody, all of us are trying to win matches for the country at the end of the day. I am just focusing on ultimately playing for my country. I have had a very good season in 2019 in domestic, India A and then for India. I have worked hard for the last 8-9 years in terms of my training, game, and diet.”

He signed off by saying, “At this point, I have a good 10 more years of cricket left in me and I will give it my best shot. I am headed in the right direction but have miles to go.”

(With Gulf News Inputs)