'Samson is not a youngster in terms of the experience he’s had' - Steve Smith praises Rajasthan Royals' skipper ahead of Punjab Kings game

Rajasthan Royals started their Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL) campaign with a dominating 72-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad and next face Punjab Kings on Wednesday, April 5. Sanju Samson played a captain's knock of 55 off 32 to post a big total against Hyderabad. He also displayed his leadership skills as the Royals' bowlers restricted the Sunrisers to just 131/8 in 20 overs.

The former Rajasthan Royals' captain Steve Smith was impressed with Samson's recent knock and praised him for leading by example. Talking about Samson's leadership skills, Smith pointed out that the wicketkeeper-batter is a young player but not a youngster in terms of experience. Smith also said that Samson will be looking to take confidence from the Royals' run to the final during IPL 2022 ahead of the game against Punjab.

“Sanju Samson is a young player, but he’s not a youngster in terms of the experience he’s had. He’s leading the side from the front. He led the Royals really well last year and the team made it to the final. He’ll take the confidence from the campaign last season. He’s powerful and takes the game head-on. If he keeps doing that, I think, RR will keep doing well in this season as well," Smith told Star Sports.

Being in and out of the Indian team must have bothered Shikhar Dhawan: Irfan Pathan

Punjab Kings also started their IPL 2023 campaign with a crucial seven-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders. Shikhar Dhawan made his debut as PBKS captain and scored a crucial 40 off 29. Shikhar hasn't played international cricket since the India tour of Bangladesh in December 2022, as he was ignored for India's recent home series against Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.

Shikhar was a regular and even captained the ODI team for the majority of games in 2022 but his recent absence suggests that the management is leaning towards the likes of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. However, the former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that the veteran opener can prove his worth to Indian cricket if he impresses for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023.

“Shikhar Dhawan is a senior player in IPL and has been very consistent with the bat too. He’s a very powerful player who possesses a very strong mind. He has to prove himself as a captain this year and for that his batting is essential. Being in and out of the Indian team must have bothered him and that’s why he would like to prove that he is still the real Gabbar of Indian cricket," Pathan told the broadcasters.

Rajasthan Royals take on Punjab Kings as favourites having won four of their last five encounters. For Shikhar, Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone are available for selection but the Samson-led side will be extra motivated after their recent thumping win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.