I very strongly believe that IPL must go on: Sanju Samson

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson has made it clear that even though he respects the opinion of those wanting the Indian Premier League to shut shop in this pandemic, he believes that the tournament must go on. The reason behind Samson’s strong belief is the feeling of positivity that the tournament is bringing on the face of the lakhs of people watching it every night. 

“We, as IPL players, are not so cut off inside our respective bio-bubbles that we are unaware of what is going on in the wider world outside,” he wrote in his column for Hindustan Times. “I have been following the debate about playing cricket during the pandemic, and I feel that opinions on both sides of the argument must be respected,” he added. 

“I very strongly believe the tournament must go on because I sincerely feel that it is bringing joy to many millions of Indians during the bleakest of times. If our purpose this season is to be a positive diversion to those watching, then so be it,” Samson, 26, reasoned. 

Saying that as a team the Rajasthan Royals have acknowledged the situation o the country by getting into the huddle, Samson also lauded the management’s efforts of donating Rs 7.75 crore in the country’s fight against Covid. 

“Before every match this season we have gotten into a huddle as a team and spoken about the situation outside and what our purpose is as cricketers. That has helped make our cause, if you want to call it that, much clearer: entertain those sitting at home in India and put a smile on their faces before they go to sleep. It really is as simple as that,” wrote Kerala born. 

“I am also very proud that my franchise donated towards Covid relief in the country (Rajasthan Royals became the first franchise to do so, donating a sum of ₹7.5cr); it was the least we at Rajasthan Royals could do,” he said. 

Respecting teammate Andrew Tye’s decision of returning to Australia, the wicket-keeper batsman said that no two people could have the same school of thoughts and respecting diversity is important. 

Advising people to take the basic precautions of wearing masks, sanitising often and getting vaccinated when the turn comes, Samson said that he too is getting for things to become normal, adding that he misses not playing full stadiums. 

“I am a cricketer, normal for me is a stadium packed with loud fans. Man, do I really miss playing in front of thousands of cheering spectators or what,” he said. 

The Rajasthan Royals, having lost to Mumbai Indians would be up against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on May 2.