Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson shared a fascinating story of his journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sanju Samson revealed that former pacer S Sreesanth Rahul Dravid lied about him, which helped him secure a chance with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the prestigious T20 tournament.
Sanju Samson was added to the Kolkata Knight Riders player pool ahead of the 2009 edition of the tournament. However, the Kerala cricketer joined the Kolkata team for the 2012 season. Despite his talent, he never played a single game for KKR. The wicketkeeper-batter was released ahead of the 2013 season.
I didn’t get any insight – Sanju Samson
After his release by the Knight Riders, Sanju Samson was keen to prove his skills. Samson revealed that Sreesanth told then RR captain Rahul Dravid that he had hit six sixes in an over in a local tournament.
“Since I was at KKR, I didn’t get any insight. But during a game against RR, when [Rahul] Dravid led them, Sreesanth spotted him in the hotel lobby and vouched for me. He said to him, “There’s this boy from Kerala who hit six sixes in an over in a local tournament.” “We should definitely give him a trial period.” Samson remembered in a video that was widely shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Samson made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2013. The batsman scored 206 runs in 11 games in his debut season at an average of 25.75 and a strike rate of 115.73. He has represented the Royals in 134 matches and scored 3596 runs at an average of 31.54 and a strike rate of 141.35.
The Kerala-born cricketer has been named RR captain ahead of the 2021 season. The Jaipur-based franchise reached the final under his captaincy for the first time since their first win in 2008. The RR team is currently at the top of the points table for the ongoing IPL 2024 season.
Sanju Samson didn’t do particularly well in some practice matches – S Sreesanth
In a conversation with SportsKeeda, S Sreesanth admitted that he used lies to get Sanju Samson into the Rajasthan Royals team. Sreesanth narrated how he exaggerated Samson’s skills and claimed that he had beaten him for six sixes in a local tournament.
“Rahul bhai listened to me when I introduced Sanju to him. I lied to him and said, ‘This boy beat me for six sixes in a local tournament’. Rahul Bhai said, ‘Shree, kuch bhi bol, ye kyu bol raha.’ Shark?’ (Say something, but why are you lying like that)” Sreesanth had said.
“He didn’t do too well in a few training games. But when Rahul Bhai saw him beat, he was convinced; he came to me and said, ‘Sree, don’t let this Sanju guy switch to another selection; we.’ I don’t know if he would get matches or not, but we would like to sign him.'”
Sanju Samson has been included in India’s squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the USA. The wicketkeeper-batsman earned his call-up to the tournament due to his consistent performances in the IPL.
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