Rahul Dravid has closely followed Sanju Samson’s journey, from his early days as a talented youngster to his current role as the Rajasthan Royals captain. Having worked with him at different stages, Dravid sees Samson as a leader who has evolved through experience and curiosity.
“Captaincy is a skill where the more you do it, the better you become,” explains Dravid, who is currently serving as head coach of the Royals. Samson has steadily grown in his leadership role, learning from different situations and embracing the demands of captaincy.
One of the qualities that stands out for Dravid is Sanju’s eagerness to learn. “He is always asking questions, eager to improve, and has really embraced his leadership role,” he notes. This hunger for knowledge has allowed Samson to develop a clear vision for his team. “There is great clarity in how he communicates with the group. He knows exactly what he wants from the team and what he aims to achieve.”
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A Captain Who Commands Respect
Dravid emphasises that his role as a coach is not to dictate but to support the captain’s vision. “Our job as coaches is to support his vision. That’s how I see coaching — it’s about helping the captain and his team create an environment where they can play the brand of cricket they want to,” he says.
Sanju’s leadership extends beyond tactics and strategies — he leads by example and has built strong connections within the squad. He has been a part of the Royals’ setup for years and understands the journey of many young players within the franchise. “That mutual respect and trust between him and the squad is evident,” Dravid highlights.
Sanju’s ability to command respect while genuinely caring for his teammates makes him a well-rounded leader. “There’s a great synergy within the team, which Sanju has fostered well,” Dravid observes.