'Sreesanth took me to the trials' - Sanju Samson reveals how he impressed Rahul Dravid to earn maiden RR contract

Sanju Samson has been an integral part of Rajasthan Royals in the past few seasons of the Indian Premier League. The 28-year-old has played the most number of matches for the franchise and has also scored the most number of runs for them in IPL history. Samson has also played the second-most number of matches as captain for the Royals after the great Shane Warne. 

He started his IPL career with the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012, however, the wicketkeeper batter did not get a game in the entire season. He was later signed by Rajasthan Royals in the following season and made his IPL debut under them. Recently, the Kerala-born cricketer revealed the interesting story behind his signing by the Royals. 

He disclosed that he was taken to RR trials by former India cricketer S Sreesanth, his teammate in the Kerala team. Samson further revealed that his performance at the trial was monitored by Rahul Dravid and Paddy Upton.

"Sreesanth took me to the RR trials. Dravid was there. Paddy Upton was there. I wasn't expecting much from the trials because I did not know what kind of players they were looking for. It was a two-day trial which however was very special as I have never batted like that ever again,” said Samson on Star Sports.

If a legend like Rahul Dravid says, 'I'm good enough', then I am good enough: Sanju Samson

The 28-year-old also shared the magical moment when he was given the contract to play for Rajasthan by Dravid and the effect of his praise on his confidence.

“Then Rahul sir came and told me, 'You are definitely doing great. Would you like to play for RR?' That gave me a huge confidence given that it came from Rahul sir. If a legend like him says, 'I'm good enough', then I am good enough," he added.

Samson went on to play for RR from 2013-2015 before getting signed by Delhi for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. He once again returned to Rajasthan in 2018 and has been with the franchise ever since. The wicketkeeper-batter was handed over the captaincy of the side in 2021 and led them to the final in the 2022 season for the first time since their triumphant campaign in 2008.