The 30-year-old wk-batter Sanju Samson who is set to lead Rajasthan Royals for the fifth successive year, has spilt out that Rahul Dravid’s leadership had a major leadership on his own approach.
Rahul Dravid who was named as RR head coach for the 2025 season, after a successful tenure with the Indian team that culminated in their 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, marked the completion of a cycle.
Dravid worked back with Rajasthan Royals back in 2012-13, when he captained the side, a period during which the Indian great picked Samson during a trial.
Rahul Dravid later became the team director and mentor in 2014-15. Sanju Samson said his journey from a young talent to the captain of the Royals has been shaped by Rahul Dravid’s mentorship.
“It’s quite funny how things work out. In my first season, Rahul sir was the one who spotted me during the trials,” said Sanju Samson.
“He was the captain back then, looking out for young talent. After watching me, he came up to me and said, ‘Okay, can you play for my team?’ said wk-batter.
“Now, I am the captain of the franchise, and Rahul sir has returned after so many years to coach the team. It’s a unique and special feeling. He was always part of the Rajasthan Royals family, and we are all grateful to have him back.
“I have played under him both at Rajasthan Royals and in the Indian team when he was the coach. But now, having him as a coach while I captain the side is something truly special. I am looking forward to learning a lot from him in the coming years, and it’s really exciting.” said Sanju Samson.
“As a captain, I see how he led from the front — not just through his skills but off the field as well. He never missed an optional practice session when he was the captain.
“I observed how he treated young players in the dressing room, how he communicated with seniors, how he handled team meetings, and how he welcomed new players. All those small but significant things shaped my understanding of leadership, and I try to follow the same approach.”
Asked whether Rahul Dravid ever gets tired, Sanju Samson said, “That’s his love for the game. That’s his tribute to cricket.”
“I remember sitting at the back and seeing him standing in the sun, near the sightscreen, doing shadow practice all by himself. Even now, he is fully immersed in the game. There is so much to observe and learn from his passion.”
“I’ve always observed him from a distance and also been close to him. He’s a top-notch professional who ensures that every aspect of preparation is taken care of.
“I was with him last month in Nagpur, Talegaon, and saw how involved he is. From 10 AM in the morning till 5 PM in the evening, in the heat, he was there watching batsmen bat and bowlers bowl, interacting with them, discussing strategies with the coaches.
“He is fully committed to the team, from A to Z. That’s something I admire and want to learn—how to prepare better. Preparation is a key part of his character, and I want to incorporate that into my own approach,” he added.
Rajasthan Royals will play their first IPL 2025 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
