‘We have had one of the best IPL cycles in the last three seasons’: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson | Cricket News
Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson recently discussed in length about captaining the franchise, spilling the details on the last three Indian Premier League cycles with RR finishing 3rd last season, 5th in 2023 and second in 2022. In an interaction with JioHotstar, Samson talks in details about how despite having to let go of players who have been an integral part of the team in the past, RR hacve managed to rope in some interesting new players in their place.
“We’ve had one of the best IPL cycles in the last three seasons, with the highest winning percentage and some of the best players Rajasthan Royals has ever had. We had all the superstars from around the world, and it felt like a family. But then, as per IPL rules, you have to let go of that family and build a new one again. So that’s where we are now. We’ve brought in some interesting players, from a 13-year-old to a 35-year-old, creating a mix of youth and experience in the squad,” Samson said.
“Personally, I’m very excited about this challenge—meeting new people, building relationships, and understanding the personalities behind the performances. That’s where the real fun lies. The work begins long before the IPL, during the 7-10 days of preparation. I try to spend as much time as possible outside my room, talking to my players and coaches, building that camaraderie. And then, we embark on the journey together as a unit. That’s where the joy of being a captain comes in,” he added.
Story continues below this ad
In the IPL auction last year, Rajasthan managed to secure Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga while also adding the likes of Akash Madhwal and Kumar Kartikeya Singh into their ranks. They also brought in 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi who scored 104 off 62 balls in India Under-19’s Youth Test against Australia in Chennai last year.
He also became the youngest player to be signed in IPL hory as he ignited a bidding war between Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, with the former ultimately securing him for a handsome sum of Rs 1.1 crore.
