In an era where individual statistics often overshadow team achievements, Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson stands out as a rare breed of cricketer who prioritizes team success above personal milestones, much like Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma.
Former India pacer Tinu Yohanan, who coached the Kerala cricket team during the 2021/22. season, recently shared compelling anecdotes about Samson’s selfless approach to the game during an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com.
“Sanju was struggling for form during the 2021/22 season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. I suggested that he could achieve a big score if he faced a certain number of deliveries,” Yohanan recalled. “Sanju’s response was immediate and emphatic: ‘That is not the kind of player I am. I won’t play for myself in any scenario.’“
This team-first mentality has been a consistent feature of Samson’s leadership philosophy. Yohanan highlighted a particularly memorable Ranji Trophy group stage match against Rajasthan in December 2022, where Samson’s aggressive captaincy nearly pulled off an improbable victory.
“We faced a daunting target of 395 runs in the second innings on a bowler-friendly surface. While most captains would adopt a conservative approach to secure a draw, Samson boldly pushed for victory,” Yohanan explained. “He led from the front, scoring a quickfire 69 off just 53 deliveries. Although we fell short, finishing with 299 runs was a remarkable achievement given the challenging circumstances.”
Beyond his batting prowess and tactical acumen, Samson’s supportive leadership style has nurtured emerging talents within the Kerala cricket setup. Players like Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen, who impressed in the recent Ranji Trophy season, benefited immensely from Samson’s guidance during their difficult phases.
“Sanju is the ultimate team man who has consistently gone out of his way to defend and support his teammates,” Yohanan emphasized. “His approachability and generosity have created a positive environment that allows young cricketers to flourish.”
As Samson continues to lead Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and push for a consistent place in India’s limited-overs setup, his selfless approach serves as a refreshing reminder of cricket’s fundamental team ethos in an increasingly statistics-driven sporting landscape.