'One of the best T20 players' - Kumar Sangakkara lavishes massive praises on RR captain Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has certainly made a name for himself in the last few years. Although the right-handed batter is yet to perform to his potential at the highest level, he has been a force to reckon with in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Rajasthan Royals captain has tormented the best of bowlers in the competition and has played several jaw-dropping knocks.

In IPL 2022, he’ll eye to take the inaugural-season champions to their second title. Ahead of the competition, the 27-year-old has received massive praises from RR’s head coach and Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara. The batting legend reckoned Samson is one of the best T20 players going around and retaining him was a no-brainer. He further lauded the youngster’s destructive batting and called him a match-winner.

Sanju Samson is a magnificent player and a match-winner: Kumar Sangakkara

“Irrespective of him being the captain or the future of RR, he is one of the best T20 players,” said Sangakkara during the Clubhouse conversation on Red Bull Cricket. “He is a magnificent player, destructive, match-winner, has every ability that you want in a batter. He was captain before I took over last season. I have come to know him really well and admire him. He’s got such a passion for RR. He started here, he values that,” he added.

Sangakkara further lauded Samson’s captaincy skills, calling him a natural leader. “He is a captain who is willing to admit that he doesn’t know everything as yet, and he is going to grow into it. He’s got natural leadership qualities. He’s going to get better and better,” said Sangakkara further. It must be noted that the T20 World Cup will take place later this year in Australia.

Hence, Samson, in order to earn a place in the Indian squad for the gala tournament, needs to have an impressive season. He shouldn’t be short of confidence as the dasher enjoyed a gala time last season. In IPL 2021, Samson scored 484 runs in 14 games at 40.33 and with a strike rate of 136.72. Needless to mention, he would be determined to put up a similar, or an even better, show.