Ahead of IPL, playing for Kerala an inspiration for Samson
MUMBAI: Lady Luck smiled on Sanju Samson earlier this year when he became the youngest ‘crorepati’ in the IPL. The 19-year-old was retained by the Rajasthan Royals for a handsome salary after he was adjudged the best young player in his maiden outing last season. Naturally, he is keen to prove his worth and wants to take every opportunity to get into the groove for the T20 event.
On Thursday, Samson, allowed to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Tournament by his IPL franchise, found his rhythm ahead of the extravaganza in the UAE.
The 19-year-old scored 68 runs off 39 balls, aided by six boundaries and four sixes, to help Kerala post 172 for three in 20 overs. The knock went in vain with Rajasthan chasing down the target with a ball to spare.
At a time when IPL teams are not releasing their players for the domestic T20 tournament, Samson has found motivation by playing for his state. “I wanted to play for Kerala and I requested the Rajasthan Royals management,” said Samson after the match at the MCA-BKC ground.
The past year was a watershed phase in Samson’s nascent career. Post the IPL outing, Samson successfully plied his trade on the domestic circuit and for the
I UTILISED THE LAST IPL SEASON WELL AND LEARNT A LOT FROM RAHUL DRAVID, SHANE WATSON AND BRAD HODGE. THIS YEAR, I WOULD LIKE TO IMPROVE BY FINISHING MORE GAMES.
SANJU SAMSON, RR and Kerala
India Colts. The elegant right hander was the vice-captain of the India side that got knocked out of the quarterfinal in the U-19 World Cup earlier this year. He was the side’s highest run-scorer with 267 runs in six games with an average of 44.50. “Last year was an important season for me (in the IPL). I utilised it well and learnt a lot from Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson and Brad Hodge. This year, I would like to improve by finishing more games,” said Samson.
The conditions at the Emirates are familiar for Samson, having played the World Cup and shaping India’s win in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup before that.
From being a junior in the Kerala and Rajasthan side, Samson was thrust with the additional responsibility as a senior in the U-19 team. “I knew I would be a senior in that side. I wanted to contribute with performances and suggestions,” he said.
In the recently-concluded Ranji Trophy, Samson was crucial to Kerala’s plans, scoring 530 runs in 11 innings at 58.88 and a best of 211.
For the next two months, it will be a heavy dose of T20 cricket for Samson while trying not to get carried away by the fame that comes along.