Never thought about competition with Rishabh Pant: Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson, the wicketkeeper batsman from Kerala, spoke about his admiration for MS Dhoni, saying that he aims to indoctrinate the veteran’s ability to be calm and remain focused amidst tough situations.

Samson spoke to TimesofIndia.com, saying, “MS Dhoni’s calmness and focus in tough situations is something that I would like to inculcate in my game as well and be calmer and more focussed while batting.”

Samson then went on to talk about how the role of a wicketkeeper has changed over the years, with now Cricket teams mostly backing wicketkeepers who are equally good or better with the bat, ability wise. He credited former Australian gloveman Adam Gilchrist for instilling the change.

Samson said, “Wicket-keepers today are all top batsmen as well. You look around the world, most of the ‘keepers are very good batsmen. Adam Gilchrist changed the game for ‘keepers coming up the order, MS Dhoni has done likewise in the middle order. It is now almost a norm to have a wicketkeeper who is a very good top or middle order batsman, as it helps the team add an extra bowler or all rounder in the team.”

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Samson then went on to talk about his relationship with Rishabh Pant during the time the two of them played together for the Delhi franchise in the IPL, in the process clarifying the fact that he does not feel any feeling of competition with Rishabh Pant over a spot in the team, and added that the two are really good friends. Samson was included in the squad for the series against Bangladesh last year, but he was not given the opportunity to play any match in the series, with Pant being the first choice wicketkeeper in the team.

“I think it all depends on the team combination. I never thought about all these lines (competition with Rishabh Pant). As a cricketer when you’re competing or when you’re trying to get into a sport, if you have an eye on other players, I don’t think that’s the way to play your cricket. Rishabh and I started playing for Delhi Daredevils in the IPL and we spent a lot of time together. We are really good friends. He is a talented player. We really enjoyed playing together. I’ve played a lot of innings with him,” said Samson.