"He was the only guy who...": Sandeep Sharma credits Sanju Samson for his IPL career revival

Indian pacer Sandeep Sharma has credited the Indian wicketkeeper-batter and Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson for his remarkable comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

After facing the crushing disappointment of going unsold in the IPL 2023 auction, Sandeep's fortunes took a dramatic turn, thanks to the unwavering support and confidence from Samson.

Sandeep Sharma reveals how Sanju Samson inspired his IPL journey

The Chandigarh-born bowler recounted his challenging journey over the past few years, emphasizing how crucial Samson's encouragement was during his lowest times. Following the IPL 2023 auction, when Sandeep Sharma went unsold, it was Samson who reached out to uplift his spirits.

The talented pacer revealed that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper reassured him that opportunities would certainly come his way, especially given the injury concerns that plague franchises in every IPL season.

This encouragement from Sanju Samson not only revitalized Sandeep's confidence but also set the stage for his eventual inclusion in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) squad. When injury struck fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep was given the opportunity, and he made the most of his chance with the Royals.

Sanju Samson told me in 2023 season that I would play IPL and will do well: Sandeep Sharma

With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, he has embraced every game as if it were his last and finished the 10 wickets from 12 games in 2023. He also took 13 wickets in the IPL 2024 at an economy rate of 8.18 for Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Sandeep's resurgence and journey showed how the leader’s faith can lead to extraordinary comebacks. Speaking to former India U-19 World Cup and 2008 IPL champion Taruwar Kohli on his podcast, the talented pacer recounted how Samson kept him positive during his tough time.

Sanju Samson said on a podcast with former cricketer Taruwar Kohli: “I got a call from Sanju (Samson); he talked to me. He told me a lot of positive things. He explained how me going unsold also made him feel bad personally. He believed in me and told me that I would get a chance that season (IPL 2023). He told me how there were injury problems in every team and even in RR. He told me that in that season I would play IPL and will do well.”

Sanju Samson was the only guy who made me feel positive: Sandeep Sharma

The pacer revealed that Samson was the only player who called him after he went unsold at the IPL 2023 auction, and even he still shares a great relationship with the RR skipper.

He added that Prasidh Krishana’s injury revived his career, and now he takes every opportunity as his last chance. Sandeep further noted, “He was the only guy who made me feel positive during that time, which actually helped me a lot.

He was the only one who talked in the present. He then called me to the RR camp, and then I got in because Prasidh, unfortunately, got injured. Since then, I have been playing every game as my last and enjoy it all.”

Sandeep Sharma "When I was gone unsold Sanju was only guy who called me and said don't worry pajji i know you will surely get some chance in IPL and you will do well"pic.twitter.com/yqAeDHfhEa

— Rahul (@calmmLucario) October 6, 2024