Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), recently shed light on how he found himself leading the franchise in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the majority of his IPL career spent at RR since 2013.
Except for two seasons with the Delhi Daredevils (DD), Samson has grown to become one of the team’s most reliable players at a relatively young age. When the lead owner of RR approached him about taking on the role of skipper, Samson felt prepared and eager to embrace the challenge.
Moment of Decision
Recalling the pivotal moment, Samson reminisced about an encounter with RR’s lead owner, Manoj Badale, during a match in Dubai. Badale straightforwardly asked Samson if he was ready to lead the side, to which Samson confidently responded in the affirmative. For Samson, it felt like a natural progression, given his extensive experience with the franchise and his conviction in his abilities to shoulder the responsibility.
Leadership Traits
Throughout his tenure as captain, Samson has exhibited traits of effective leadership, demonstrating his ability to motivate and guide his team. Under his captaincy, RR reached the final of the IPL 2022 season, showcasing Samson’s knack for setting the right tone and leading by example on the field.
Mindset
Beyond his leadership role, Sanju Samson is renowned for his explosive batting style, characterized by his willingness to play aggressive shots from the outset. Emphasizing the need to stand out amidst fierce competition for spots in the Indian team, Samson highlights his approach of adopting a unique brand of cricket. He believes in showcasing aggression from the very first ball, aiming to make an impact without delay.
Improvement
Reflecting on his mindset as a batter, Samson stresses the importance of constant evolution and innovation. He acknowledges the need to adapt to the evolving demands of the game, striving to refine his skills and remain hungry for improvement.
Looking Ahead
As RR gears up for the IPL 2024 season, commencing with a match against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24, all eyes will be on Samson and his leadership prowess. With a blend of experience and determination, Samson is poised to lead RR to further success on the cricketing stage.
