Sanju Samson's father recollects how Rahul Dravid helped save his son's career

Sanju Samson's father, Samson Viswanath has made some serious allegations against Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), blaming the cricket governing body for trying to destroy his son's career. The wicketkeeper-batter is going through a purple patch in international cricket, having scored three T20I centuries in the latter half of 2024. However, he has had to fight against enormous odds to get to where he is now.

In a recent interview, Viswanath recalled how former India head coach Rahul Dravid intervened and saved his son's career. The former said that he hasn't forgotten the ones who stood by his son during tumultuous times.

"I will tell you one incident about Rahul Dravid. When KCA had tried to disregard Sanju and destroy his career, Dravid ji had interfered in the matter. Wherever Sanju is at today, he owes it to Rahul Dravid. I have not forgotten anyone who has given us warmth and generosity," Viswanath told Sports Today (via Hindustan Times).

"After keeping down the phone, he told me 'it was Rahul sir'. He said 'Sanju, I understand all that is happening with you. They are all jealous of you. Tu chinta mat kar (Don't worry). Don't get your morale down. I have taken care of it. You keep training and get ready for NCA'. He operated at a level higher than the KCA and took Sanju under his wings," he recalled.

Sanju has played eight T20Is in the 2024-2025 season and amassed 392 runs at a commendable average of 56 and a whopping strike rate of 192.15. The 30-year-old is currently playing in the five-match T20I series between India and England. In the first game at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday, January 22, the Pulluvila-born got off to a quick start before being dismissed for 26.

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The second T20I is set to be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, January 25.