Sanju Samson, who will be leading Rajasthan Royals for a fifth successive year, credits Rahul Dravid's leadership as a major influence on his own approach. Dravid's return to Rajasthan Royals as head coach in 2025, after a successful tenure with the Indian team that culminated in their T20 World Cup triumph, marked a full-circle moment for Samson. Dravid's association with the Royals spans back to 2012-13, when he captained the side, a period during which the Indian great picked Samson during a trial. Dravid later became the team director and mentor in 2014-15. Samson said his journey from a young talent to the captain of the Royals has been shaped by Dravid's mentorship.
"It's quite funny how things work out. In my first season, Rahul sir was the one who spotted me during the trials," Samson told JioHotstar.
Reflecting on how far he has come since then, he further added: "He was the captain back then, looking out for young talent. After watching me, he came up to me and said, ‘Okay, can you play for my team?' From that day to today, it feels surreal.
"Now, I am the captain of the franchise, and Rahul sir has returned after so many years to coach the team. It's a unique and special feeling. He was always part of the Rajasthan Royals family, and we are all grateful to have him back.
"I have played under him both at Rajasthan Royals and in the Indian team when he was the coach. But now, having him as a coach while I captain the side is something truly special. I am looking forward to learning a lot from him in the coming years, and it's really exciting." Samson further said he admires how Dravid led by example, both on and off the field, and his effective communication with both seniors and newcomers.
"As a captain, I see
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