Don't Think Anyone Can Be Like MS Dhoni, I Would Like To Be Myself - Sanju Samson On Comparisons With Former India Skipper

Rajasthan Royals’ newly-appointed skipper, Sanju Samson says that he is happy being himself and wants to become the best version of himself. Sanju Samson’s comments come in regards to the comparisons the youngster has fetched with the former India skipper, MS Dhoni.

Since he made his first-class debut, about a decade back, the Kerala keeper-batsman has been compared to Dhoni, owing to his flair, attacking instincts, rope-clearing ability. Revering the Chennai Super Kings leader, the 26-year-old says that nobody can ever be like the World Cup-winning captain, and he is content with being himself.

“I don’t think anyone can be like MS Dhoni. I would like to be myself. Sanju Samson will be good enough,” Sanju Samson was quoted by the Rajasthan Royals website as saying.

The right-hander was made the captain of the Rajasthan Royals replacing Australian Steve Smith. He was also recently dropped from India’s T20 side as Rishabh Pant made a comeback. With added responsibility, the youngster would be looking to produce better, and consistent results, this IPL season, to add to his 7 T20I caps.

“To be very honest, until last year, I never felt that I may possibly be the leader of the Royals. Our own owner, Manoj Badale told me that the franchise wants me to lead the team and asked me to take this role,” he added.

We got almost every player we wanted in the auction: Sanju Samson

After finishing at the bottom of the table last season, and releasing big-name players such as Smith, Oshane Thomas, and Tom Curran, the inaugural champions added Chris Morris (INR 16.25 crore), Shivam Dube (INR 4.4 crore), Mustafizur Rahman (INR 1 crore), Liam Livingstone (INR 75 lakh) to their squad.

Samson is satisfied with the additions and feels that the team is well balanced. He reckons every player will have a crucial role to play if they have to repeat their feat of the first season. The Royals will begin their campaign against the rechristened Punjab Kings on April 12th in Mumbai.

“I think our team management did a fantastic job in the auction and we got almost every player we wanted. Each and every player’s role is going to be crucial in this season,” Samson stated.

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