Indian pacer Sandeep Sharma has credited Indian wicketkeeper-batsman and Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson for his remarkable comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
After facing the crushing disappointment of not selling out at the IPL 2023 auction, Sandeep’s fortunes took a dramatic turn, thanks to Samson’s unwavering support and trust.
Sandeep Sharma reveals how Sanju Samson inspired his IPL journey
The Chandigarh-born bowler recounted his challenging journey over the past few years and emphasized how crucial Samson’s encouragement was during his lowest moments. After the IPL 2023 auction, when Sandeep Sharma went unsold, it was Samson who reached out to lift his spirits.
The talented pacer revealed that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain assured him that opportunities would definitely come his way, especially given the injury concerns that plague franchises every IPL season.
This encouragement from Sanju Samson not only revitalized Sandeep’s confidence but also set the stage for his eventual inclusion in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) team. When injury struck his teammate Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep got the chance and made the most of his opportunity with the Royals.
Sanju Samson told me in 2023 season that he would play IPL and do well: Sandeep Sharma
With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, he embraced every game as if it were his last and took 10 wickets from 12 games in 2023. He also took 13 wickets in IPL 2024 at an economy rate of 8.18 for Rajasthan Royals (RR ).
Sandeep’s resurgence and journey showed how the leader’s faith can lead to extraordinary comebacks. Speaking to former India Under-19 World Cup and IPL 2008 champion Taruwar Kohli on his podcast, the talented pacer told how Samson kept him positive during his tough times.
Sanju Samson said in a podcast with former cricketer Taruwar Kohli: “I got a call from Sanju (Samson); he talked to me. He told me many positive things. He explained that the fact that they wouldn’t sell to me also made him feel bad personally. He believed in me and told me that I would get a chance that season (IPL 2023). He told me that there were injury problems in all the teams and even in HR. “He told me that in that season I would play the IPL and do well.”
Sanju Samson was the only one who made me feel positive: Sandeep Sharma
The pacer revealed that Samson was the only player who called him up after he went unsold in the IPL 2023 auction, and even he still shares a great relationship with the RR skipper.
He added that Prasidh Krishana’s injury revived his career and now he seizes every opportunity as the last. Sandeep further noted, “He was the only one who made me feel positive during that time, which actually helped me a lot.
He was the only one speaking in the present. Then he called me to the RR camp and then I went inside because unfortunately Prasidh was injured. Since then, I have played every game like the last and I enjoy everything.”
Sandeep Sharma “When I was unsold, Sanju was the only one who called me and said don’t worry pajji, I know you will surely get some chance in IPL and you will do well.”pic.twitter.com/yqAeDHfhEa
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