'Match At 8, Will Wake Up At 5 And...': Samson Reveals RR Star's Unique Approach
Sanju Samson's future with Rajasthan Royals is uncertain as he requested release before IPL 2026. Under coach Rahul Dravid, RR finished ninth in IPL 2025.
Sanju Samson's future with Rajasthan Royals (RR) is up in the air as recent reports suggest that the wicketkeeper-batter has requested the franchise to release him before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction.
Under new head coach Rahul Dravid, RR had a disappointing IPL 2025 season, finishing ninth with only four wins in 14 matches—a significant drop from their 2022 final appearance under Samson's leadership.
Amid the speculation, Samson discussed his journey with the Royals in a candid conversation with former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube show Kutti Stories with Ash. Reflecting on his captaincy, Samson mentioned it had broadened his outlook, he said: 'Captaincy has opened up my perspective and helped me to accept these kind of ways. There is no one way of succeeding in cricket. I don't believe that there is only one way. When people are trying different things, I like to back them instead of questioning them."
What Sanju Samson Said About Shimron Hetmyer?
He illustrated this mindset with the unconventional matchday routine of teammate Shimron Hetmyer.
'But this guy, the match is at 8 PM, he will wake up at 5 PM, and be all sleepy during team meetings and all. Then he will score the most important runs for the team and win them the game. So, there is a way to do like that also," Samson revealed.
The 30-year-old contrasted this approach with his pre-captaincy days, when his focus was strictly on personal preparation and specific methods for success.
'Before I was a captain, I was a player; at that time, it was only about my ways. I'm like I need to do these things, these kinds of practices. I need to score runs at these kind of patterns, and that is how success is made," he said.
With his future at RR uncertain, all eyes will be on whether Samson remains with the Royals or seeks a new challenge in IPL 2026.
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