NEW DELHI: Indian wicketkeeper-batsman
Sanju Samson
has unveiled a hidden chapter of his IPL journey, shedding light on how a fabricated tale paved the path for his entry into the Indian Premier League.
The captivating saga, narrated by Samson himself and supported by former Indian cricketer S
Sreesanth
, illuminates the unpredictable twists and turns of fate in professional cricket.
Samson, the seasoned campaigner and captain of the Rajasthan Royals, disclosed in a viral video shared widely on Twitter how a chance encounter between Sreesanth and
Rahul Dravid
, then captain of the Royals, altered the course of his career. Recounting his early days with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Samson revealed his struggle to secure a spot in the playing XI, despite being part of their squad since 2009.
"It was during a match against RR when Sreesanth spotted Rahul bhai in the hotel lobby," Samson reminisced in the video. "He vouched for me, saying, 'There's this kid from Kerala who smashed six sixes in an over in a local tournament. We should definitely give him a trial.'"
The enthusiastic endorsement by Sreesanth proved pivotal for Samson. Despite initial skepticism from Dravid regarding the authenticity of the claim, the legendary cricketer was quick to recognize Samson's potential.
"Rahul bhai listened to me when I introduced Sanju to him," Sreesanth admitted in an interview to Sportskeeda last year. "He didn't do too well in a few practice games. But when Rahul bhai saw him bat, he was convinced."
Dravid's astute judgment paved the way for Samson's IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals in 2013, where he has since become a mainstay and, eventually, the captain of the franchise.
From a promising talent to a leader revered by fans, Samson's journey epitomizes the resilience and determination required to succeed at the highest level of cricket.
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