Sanju Samson, who will likely be leading Rajasthan Royals for a fifth successive 12 months, credits Rahul Dravid’s leadership as a serious 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 of 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 in the course of the trials,” Samson told JioHotstar.
Reflecting on how far he has come since then, he further added: “He was the captain back then, looking for young talent. After watching me, he got here as much as me and said, ‘Okay, are you able to play for my team?’ From that day to today, it feels surreal.
“Now, I’m the captain of the franchise, and Rahul sir has returned after so a few years to educate the team. It’s a singular and special feeling. He was all the time a part of the Rajasthan Royals family, and we’re all grateful to have him back.
“I actually have played under him each at Rajasthan Royals and within 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’m looking forward to learning quite a bit from him in the approaching years, and it’s really exciting.” Samson further said he admires how Dravid led by example, each on and off the sphere, and his effective communication with each seniors and newcomers.
“As a captain, I see how he led from the front — not only through his skills but off the sphere as well. He never missed an optional rehearsal when he was the captain.
“I observed how he treated young players within the dressing room, how he communicated with seniors, how he handled team meetings, and the way he welcomed recent players. All those small but significant things shaped my understanding of leadership, and I attempt to follow the identical approach.” Asked whether Dravid ever gets drained, Samson said, “That is his love for the sport. That is his tribute to cricket.
“I remember sitting on the back and seeing him standing within the sun, near the sightscreen, doing shadow practice all by himself. Even now, he’s fully immersed in the sport. There may be a lot to watch and learn from his passion.” ‘Dravid fully committed’ ================ Dravid recently joined the preseason camp despite being in crutches along with his left leg secured in a forged. He injured his left leg while playing in a Karnataka club match along with his younger son Anvay.
“I’ve all the time observed him from a distance and in addition been near him. He’s a top-notch skilled who ensures that each aspect of preparation is taken care of.
“I used to be with him last month in Nagpur, Talegaon, and saw how involved he’s. From 10 AM within the morning till 5 PM within the evening, in the warmth, he was there watching batsmen bat and bowlers bowl, interacting with them, discussing strategies with the coaches.
“He’s fully committed to the team, from A to Z. That is something I like and wish to learn— prepare higher. Preparation is a key a part of his character, and I need to include that into my very own approach,” he added.
Rajasthan Royals, who lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru within the Eliminator within the last edition, will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an away match on March 23. PTI TAP KHS
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