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The swirling rumours around Sanju Samson's exit from Rajasthan Royals (RR) is only growing day by day. Recently Cricbuzz reported that Samson has asked the Rajasthan-based franchise to release him ahead of IPL 2026 auction. Under new team management, with Rahul Dravid as head coach, RR struggled to find its rhythm in the IPL 2025, finishing ninth in the table with only four wins in 14 matches. The team's poor performance has sparked speculation about Samson's future with the franchise, even though he previously led them to the IPL 2022 final and has been a cornerstone of the squad.
Amid the uncertainty, Samson recently opened up about his journey with the Royals in a candid conversation with former teammate and Indian cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin. During the discussion, Samson spoke about his tenure with the team and how taking on the captaincy has significantly influenced his approach to the game.
“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,” Samson stated during a conversation with his former RR teammate Ravichandran Ashwin on latter's Youtube show, Kutti Stories with Ash.
Sanju Samson reveals Shimron Hetmyer's strange routine
Samson's mindset is perfectly captured in the unusual matchday routine of his teammate, Shimron Hetmyer. Samson described Hetmyer's amusing pre-game ritual. Hetmyer, a player known for his powerful hitting and sometimes inconsistent international career, follows a uniquely laid-back schedule before matches. This relaxed approach, which would likely surprise many in a professional sports environment, seems to be a key part of his preparation.
“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 further added.
The 30-year-old reflected on his personal pre-captaincy routines, noting that his approach used to be much more disciplined. He recalled how his focus was once much narrower, centered almost entirely on his own individual performance.
“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,” Samson concluded.
it will be interesting to see whether Samson continue with RR or move to other team in the next season of the IPL.
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