"I used to find fielding very boring" - Sanju Samson Interview

“Wicketkeeping was more interesting and kept me busy therefore I took it” – Sanju Samson

Adam Gilchrist changed the definition of a wicket-keeper batsman in cricket. Were you influenced by his philosophy too?

Obviously yes. I have watched him while growing up. He is one of the world’s best wicket-keeping batsman. I also used to watch Sangakkara. When I got a chance to play against Adam Gilchrist in IPL, I was really excited.

You were with Kolkata Knight Riders before moving to Rajasthan Royals and making your mark. How has your overall IPL experience been?

It was good being with KKR. I was 16 when I joined the team, and it was a big deal for me to play alongside such greats of the game like Bret Lee. I only got to be with them in the dressing room for 2 matches and spent the entire 2 months in the Kolkata team hotel.

Who is your idol and on whom do you model your game on?

I liked AB de Villiers a lot before. However after playing with Rahul Dravid, I can’t think of anyone else as an idol.

You are already a star and that too at a very young age. How do you keep yourself grounded and not get distracted by all the buzz around?

I don’t consider myself as a star at all. My parents have always told me the importance of being grounded. I like to mingle with people and make friends rather than being reserved.

How has Rahul Dravid’s influence helped you as a cricketer?

Rahul Dravid is a superb cricketer and a marvellous human being. Every time I talk to him, I learn something about the game as well as about being a good man. The first time I saw him, I was sitting on a chair and he walked passed me and I immediately stood up and smiled at him. Respects come naturally for him.

Your 12th standard results came out a few days back. Does that made you more nervous than facing the world class bowlers in the IPL?

No, [I'm not nervous] as I am a good student. In fact, I achieved less marks in 12th because of my cricketing schedule. I scored more in 10th and 11th standards.

“I have always enjoyed and loved to bat” – Sanju Samson

Australia is a tough place to tour. How will you prepare yourself both as a keeper and a batsman?

Yes, this is going to be my first time in Australia. Conditions are very different over there, but we are working on it. I am talking a lot to my coaches and senior players to help me out with. We are practicing well at the NCA, Bangalore and hopefully it should help.

Though you’re a keeper-batsman, you didn’t keep in all the matches which RR played. Are you concentrating more on batting than keeping?

I have always enjoyed and loved to bat, so yes, I am concentrating more on it.