Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has recently opened up that getting retained by his franchise was a normal decision taken by them as they are looking at him as a long-term prospect as captain as well. However, the Royals on Tuesday has announced that their retention list before the mega auction. And, they picked Samson (Rs 14 crore) as the first player on the retention list who has been a part of the team ever since he made his IPL debut.
“It was a pretty natural decision actually. So I’ve been a part of RR since the day I started playing my first IPL game, so definitely it was something expected,” said Samson in a video shared by Rajasthan Royals on YouTube. “It’s a really great moment for me. The trust shown by the franchise and the coaches and the supporting staff trusting in me to do this role. I think, definitely, I am a very young captain and very much excited to experience a lot of things and learn and become better as a cricketer as well as a leader of an IPL team.”
Sanju Samson was appointed the captain of the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 14th edition of the IPL season earlier this year. Although the team failed to do well, he had a great season with the bat. In 14 games, he had managed 484 runs which came at an average of 40.33 as well. Samson, however, shared that the franchise had cleared it last season that they were looking at him as a long-term prospect as well.
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“From the moment I was made the leader, it was very clear from the franchise that they were looking at me leading the team for a longer period. So, the words were exchanged much before this retention and whatever process we went through,” he shared.
He further added: “Having Jos with me, I have really enjoyed batting with him. From the last 2-3 years, I have really enjoyed batting with him. From the last 2-3 years, we have had different and interesting partnerships, and he has single-handedly won us lots of different matches.
He expressed: “He has a very great personality. He is a great person on and off the field. And he is definitely the main member of our core group. I really look forward to learning a lot of things from Jos. Having Jos again with us in the coming season, it’s a really exciting time to look forward to”
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He also shared his thoughts on the rookie uncapped opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rs 4 crores). On Jaiswal’s retention, Sanju Samson has told that he reminded him of his initial days when the franchise had retained him.
“As for Yashasvi Jaiswal, everyone in the RR franchise or everyone in Indian cricket is very excited to experience a person like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The way he bats, he definitely has a great future ahead,” said Samson.”When I look at Jaiswal, I remember my old days. When I was retained at the age of 19, the same thing happened with Jaiswal. Being retained as a youngster and playing for RR, I think it’s definitely a great opportunity for any youngster. I see some of my old days when I see him getting retained so young,” Sanju Samson concluded.
