Rajasthan Royals’ new recruit Ravichandran Ashwin has heaped praise on the team’s captain Sanju Samson, stating that he has an amazing attitude.
Samson had led Rajasthan Royals for the first time in the previous season but the team had failed to qualify for the playoff stages.
Samson is well known to be a perfect timer of the ball and it is hard to stop him when he gets going. However, Ashwin is impressed with Samson’s attitude in the practice sessions before the upcoming season of the IPL 2022.
The veteran spinner believes Sanju Samson has got a cool head on his shoulders, which is really important for a captain in the T20 format.
“I think Sanju has got an amazing attitude and a good head on his shoulders. He’s always open for discussion, open to opinions around the game, so that’s a great quality to have.
“I do believe Sanju has got the vantage point as a wicketkeeper to judge the game with all the angles, the pitch and how things are going to work. He also has age on his side, and will definitely get better,” Ashwin said in a press release.
Ashwin has all the experience under his belt and he would look to contribute to the team’s success in the best possible manner. Furthermore, Ashwin has the experience of leading Punjab Kings in the past and he would look to be a helping hand for Sanju Samson.
“I feel contribution to a team is far beyond just contributing on the ground. I’ve always been a person who enjoys talking about cricket and has been very open in terms of having a discussion with anyone around the sport.
“With my experience and communication skills, I’ll try to have discussions with anyone who wants to have a discussion and help to the best of my ability, hopefully making a difference to the squad from within,” he said.
Ashwin admitted that IPL is a tough tournament and he reckons it has helped him become a better cricketer in the last decade.
“The IPL is a tough tournament, there are a lot of variables leading into every season which can have an impact. Dew, pitches, the opposition, you name it and there’s a variable that can impact a game in different ways – which makes it a challenge to prepare for things in advance and you’ve got to be ready at all times,” Ashwin added.
“However, for me, personally, going into an IPL season is always exciting. The IPL gives a window of experimentation, something which has enabled me to come out a richer cricketer, irrespective of the results, every time I’ve been a part of it.”
Ashwin has taken 145 wickets in 167 IPL matches and he would look to bring his best for Rajasthan Royals. The inaugural champions will take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening clash of the season on March 29 at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
