He took his first cricketing lessons in Delhi before his father, then a police constable, decided to shift him to home state Kerala to improve his chances of getting selected in the state team with Delhi being a difficult place to play cricket, even for someone as talented as
Sanju Viswanath Samson. In hindsight, it was a good decision. With good scores in junior cricket for Kerala, he earned a place in India Under-19 team for the Asia Cup in 2012. Though it proved to be a disappointing one as he missed the Under-19 World Cup in Australia, he made up for it in the Ranji Trophy. A good domestic season with the bat earned him a place in Rajasthan Royals for the sixth season of the Indian Premier league. There an 18-ball 63 against Royal Challengers Bangalore made him a permanent in the first eleven while a 33-ball 60 in the ClT20 final against Mumbai Indians recently reaffirmed that he is the one to watch out for. In an interview with Amit Chaudhary, Samson talks about the special feeling of scoring runs at the Ferozeshah Kotla, credits Royals for his success and more. Excerpts...
let’s start with your brilliant knock in the ClT20 final. That was a special innings. What do you think about itIJ
Yes, it was a very special innings for me. It was one of the best I played for my team, Rajasthan Royals and for such a big game ... the memories will stay on forever.
That was the first major final of your career. Did you feel any nervousnessIJ
Yes, it was a very big game indeed, but on paper. I never took it as a big match. I firmly believe that for a true sportsman, each time he steps on the field is a big moment. I just wanted to go out there and play my best just like another any other match for the Royals.
What plans did you have for the finalIJ
Every game is different, and you can’t have any plans. like I said before, I like to just keep it simple and wanted to give it my hundred percent for the team to make my team win.
It was a huge target (203 runs in 20 overs). What was the brief given to you before you went in to Ajinkya RahaneIJ
Yes, it was a big total to chase. But no instructions were given to us before we went in to play. The task in front of us was clear, and everybody knew the role they had to play. It was clear in my mind that I had to go out there and play my shots, and do everything possible to make my team win. I believed in myself, and just went out there to enjoy the game.
You were ignored by the Delhi cricket association when you were probably 13-14 years old which prompted your father to shift base to Kerala. How satisfying was it to play such a good knock at the same ground where your talent was ignored some years agoIJ
Yes, it was very special to play such an innings in Delhi. last year, the U-19 Kerala team led by me won against Delhi on the same ground which was also very special. In that match, my brother took 10 wickets and I scored 88 runs!
Every player has a unique way of preparing himself mentally for the big games. What is your wayIJ
Actually, I haven’t had too many such big games as yet. I just take it as another game and just love to go out there and enjoy playing some good cricket. That is what works for me.
last one year has been quite a big one for you. You have impressed a lot of people with your performances. How do you see itIJ
Yes, it all started with Rajasthan Royals and I really love this team. Each and everyone involved here is special for me and have contributed in my performance. I would like to give all the credit to the team.
You have done well for your state but recognition came after you played in the IPl. You think playing in front of the cameras has helpedIJ
I believe what’s important is to play well, and put in a good performance. The recognition will then follow.
In comparison to Ranji Trophy sides, IPl teams have a big set up with star players from different parts of the world. How did you adjust in such a set upIJ
like I said before, Rajasthan is a special team, we don’t feel the difference between anyone here, all are the same, and everyone works together to contribute to the team’s success.
One of the reasons for the Rajasthan Royals’ success was Rahul Dravid’s presence. Each and every player has talked about his influence on them. How did he influence youIJ
There are no words for the legend that he is. He’s just awesome. The way he carries himself on and off the field is just great to watch and there is so much to learn just by being in his company. I have been truly blessed to be with him all these days and I am looking forward to being with him again.
New domestic season is about to start. What is your target for this seasonIJ
No targets for me for now. We are having a camp now and that will help me in planning and preparing for the season ahead.