It's An Honour To Have Kumar Sangakkara Alongside, The Relationship Is Going To Be Really Special - Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson, the newly-appointed skipper of the Rajasthan Royals, says that he was delighted to learn that he would be working alongside Kumar Sangakkara for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. The former Sri Lanka captain is appointed as the Director Of Cricket by the inaugural champions ahead of the IPL 2021.

The franchise has stated that the legendary Sri Lankan batsman “will be responsible for overseeing the entire cricketing ecosystem of the Royals franchise, including coaching structure, auction plans and team strategy, talent discovery and development, as well as the development of the Royals Academy in Nagpur.”

Sanju Samson, who replaces Steve Smith as the captain of the side, feels honoured to share the dressing room with Sangakkara and is eager to meet and learn stuff from the former Sri Lankan.

As quoted by India Today, Sanju Samson said, “When I came to know we are having Sanga, I got very excited. I am very happy that we are going to have Sanga for the next season and the next few years.”

“It’s an honour to have him alongside, especially when I am the captain and he is the coach. The relationship is going to be really special. Looking forward to meeting him and learning a lot of things from him,” he added.

I am very much excited to do this role for my team: Sanju Samson

Barring the 2016 and 2017 season where the Royals was banned and Sanju Samson played for the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals), he has been with the franchise since 2013. Samson, 26, has recently lost his place in India’s T20 side as Rishabh Pant stormed back to form.

The right-hander says that he is thrilled after being put at the helm of the franchise. With additional responsibilities of leading the side, the Kerala captain would hope to do well with the bat as well. Rajasthan, who finished at the bottom of the table last season, will begin their campaign against Punjab Kings on April 12th in Mumbai.

“I am very much excited to do this role for my team. I started being a Royal when I was 18 and now I am 26 – the team has given me this role, I am really excited and looking forward to it,” he added.

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