IPL 2021: Sanju Samson named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals.
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021: Dashing batsman Sanju Samson named as the new captain of Rajasthan Royals replacing Steve Smith. The Rajasthan management made the announcement when the final list of retained and released players was submitted.
In 2013 Rajasthan Royals brought Sanju Samson and he will be the third Indian cricketer to lead Rajasthan Royals in IPL after Rahul Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane. Samson emerged as the highest run-getter for Rajasthan Royals in the delayed season of IPL held in UAE. He amassed 375 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 158 in 14 innings. Though, the franchise finished last in the points table after the league stages ended.
Sanju Samson who will be the youngest skipper of the side will have the experience of all-rounder Ben Stokes, wicketkeeper Josh Buttler and pacer Jofra Archer. The franchise had made the change to overturn the fortunes of the side after they finished last in the previous IPL.
Sanju Samson will also have the services of Robin Uthappa, Rahul Tewatia, Riyan Parag and Jayadev Unadkat.
Grateful for the new role: Sanju Samson
“Rajasthan Royals is a franchise which is too close to my heart. I have been lucky enough to play for them for the years and now got an opportunity to lead the side also. I am excited about my new role and many challenges will come and we will have to collectively solve them,” Samson was quoted as saying by the franchise.
“This team had some many wonderful captains and I am lucky enough to get an opportunity to learn from them. I am very grateful that I have been with some of the greatest players like Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson, Ajinkya Rahane and Steve Smith. I am excited to come in the jersey again with a new role.”
The co-owner of the franchise also wanted to have an Indian core with an Indian lead.
“Steve Smith is a great player and he is a great leader for the franchise and we all want to thank him for his contributions over the years,” Manoj Badale, co-owner of the franchise said.
“As the IPL grows, we have felt the importance of an Indian captain. We have that thought in our mind and the leadership is the main task for the franchise. Sanju is associated with us for many years now. His growth as a player has been incredible. He is the ideal person to lead the Royals into the 2021 season of IPL.”
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