'He Was the Only One to Call Me & Told Me…: How Sanju Samson's Intervention Revived Punjab Pacer's IPL Career

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posted on 2 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Speaking with Taruwar Kohli on a podcast, pacer Sandeep Sharma shared that after going unsold in the IPL 2023 auction, Samson’s intervention gave him a second chance.

Sanju Samson is among the most-loved cricketers in India. He never has a dearth of fans’ support and a recent revelation by Punjab pacer Sandeep will surely leave them overjoyed. The right-arm pacer spoke highly of Samson, stating that the Rajasthan Royals captain helped him revive his career in the cash-rich tournament.

Speaking with Taruwar Kohli on a podcast, Sharma shared that after going unsold in the IPL 2023 auction, Samson’s intervention gave him a second chance. Despite consistent performances in past seasons, Sandeep didn’t find a buyer in the players’ auctions. However, the Rajasthan Royals skipper ensured Rajasthan Royals signed him as a replacement for the injured Prasidh Krishna, marking a crucial turning point in the pacer’s IPL journey.

“I got a call from Sanju (Samson), and he spoke very positively. He said that seeing me go unsold made him feel bad too. He believed in me and assured me that I would get a chance that season (IPL 2023). He mentioned there are injury issues in all teams, including RR, and told me I would get to play and do well,” Sharma told Kohli in the video.

“He was the only one who called me and kept me positive during that time, which really helped. He spoke about the present and called me to the RR camp. I got in when Prasidh, unfortunately, got injured. Since then, I’ve played every game as if it’s my last and enjoyed it,” he added.

Sandeep Sharma “When I was gone unsold Sanju was only guy who called me and said don’t worry pajji i know you will surely get some chance in IPL and you will do well”pic.twitter.com/yqAeDHfhEa— Rahul (@calmmLucario) October 6, 2024

Sandeep Sharma enjoyed a successful IPL career, especially with Punjab Kings from 2013 to 2018, taking 71 wickets in 56 matches and proving himself as a dependable new-ball bowler. He continued his form with Sunrisers Hyderabad, adding 43 wickets in 48 matches.

However, joining Rajasthan Royals in 2023, thanks to Sanju Samson’s support, revitalized his career. Since then, Sandeep has become a key bowler for RR, taking 23 wickets in 22 matches over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, keeping him in the running for the Purple Cap, awarded to the top wicket-taker.