Sanju Samson has seen plenty of special knocks in his career, but few have surprised him quite like the one produced by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Speaking to Ravichandran Ashwin on the off-spinner’s YouTube channel, Samson was asked to share his favourite cricketing memories – both from the past and from recent times. For the past, he picked two iconic innings: Sachin Tendulkar’s desert storm against Australia in 1998 and Brian Lara’s unbeaten 400 against England in 2004.
When it came to the present, Samson didn’t hesitate. “The young boy who is smashing it all across the ground for RR – Vaibhav Suryavanshi,” he said with a smile. “When he hit the first ball for six, I thought, okay, he’s lucky. But then he just went on and on, and the quality of shots he was hitting actually shocked me.” Samson also reflected on one of his own most memorable moments – captaining Rajasthan Royals for the first time in a high-scoring chase against Punjab Kings. Needing 222 to win, he made a brilliant 119 but was dismissed on the final ball when five were required. Before that last delivery, he had famously declined a single to Chris Morris, a decision that sparked debate at the time. “Although we lost the game, I knew it took courage to do what I did. I was like, well done, boss,” he recalled.
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How do you feel about the trade rumors surrounding Sanju Samson?
Sanju Samson and Rajasthan Royals have dominated the trade talk in the IPL of late. Will the player – and skipper – continue with the franchise, whether the Royals will trade him or release him, are not straightforward questions. The situation is layered with rules, perspectives and the crossroads of whether a franchise can hold on to a player who no longer wishes to stay. According to reports serious differences have cropped up between Samson and the management, leading to a formal request for a trade or release. While multiple teams have shown interest, including Chennai Super Kings, no deal has materialised. For now, the Royals hold the cards – and must decide whether to persist with their captain or let go of one of their brightest stars.
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