IPL 2020: MS Dhoni’s success provides me extra motivation, says Sanju Samson

Dubai: Young wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who is currently in Dubai for IPL 2020, said on Monday (August 24) that MS Dhoni provided him extra motivation as he came from Ranchi which has no cricket history just like his place Kerala.

On August 15, Dhoni retired from international cricket. He played at the highest level for 16 years, having made his debut in 2004.

Dhoni has inspired millions of youngsters not only in India but around the world. Sanju too is inspired by the former captain.

Speaking to Gulf News in Dubai, Sanju heaped praise on the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain.

“Yes, Dhoni bhai has inspired all of us from the day he came to play for India in the first match against Bangladesh and then scored that famous century against Pakistan. His success provides extra motivation for me as he came from Ranchi to become one of the all-time greats of the game while I hail from Kerala - both places (with) no cricketing history,” the Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) player said.

On the wicketkeeper’s slot in the Indian team and competition for it after Dhoni’s retirement, he said, “No, I don’t think of replacing anybody, all of us are trying to win matches for the country at the end of the day. I am just focusing on ultimately playing for my country.”

The 25-year-old Samson has played four T20Is for India. He made his debut in 2015 in Zimbabwe.

KL Rahul is likely to be the first-choice for India in the limited-overs formats while Rishabh Pant will be the reserve wicketkeeper. Wriddhiman Saha is No. 1 stumper for India in Test cricket.

Rahul, Pant, Saha and Sanju will be seen in action in IPL 2020. Rahul will lead Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) while Pant plays for Delhi Capitals (DC). Saha is with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).