When Graeme Swann Drew Similarities Between Sanju Samson & MS Dhoni

image-lqg8s9g7Sanju Samson slammed his maiden century vs SA in Paarl (AP Photo)

Experienced Indian middle-order batter Sanju Samson was handed over captaincy reigns by Rajasthan Royals back in the year 2021. Samson, a star in the South, was still finding his footing in international cricket when Rajasthan trusted him with the important role.

However, Sanju Samson won over the hearts of every Indian fan with his leadership brilliance. He led RR to the IPL finals in 2022, wherein they missed out on the title by the barest of margins to Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans.

Nonetheless, Samson's RR came out stronger in the following year and made a strong push to the playoffs. While they missed out, Samson emerged as a leader to be reckoned with. 

He recorded 308 runs across 11 games at a handsome strike rate of 154.77. Owing to his all-round brilliance, Samson earned high praise from former England cricketer Graeme Swann.


Graeme Swann Likens Samson's Demeanor To MS Dhoni

Swann, in his interview with Jio Cinema, which dates back to May 2023, said that he loved the way Sanju has developed as a leader and a consistent batter in the RR lineup. However, Swann wasn't surprised as he thought Samson was destined to be where he was owing to his unparalleled talent.

"What I love about Sanju is, he has become more and more of a leader and a consistent senior player that his talent beckoned and destined him to be," Swann said to Jio Cinema.

Swann further explained that four to five years ago, Sanju Samson was as good as he is now. His talent is the same. The only thing different presently is the consistency. 

The former cricketer was also moved by Sanju Samson's calm demeanour in crunch movements. He believes Sanju's belief and calmness as a leader reminds him of MS Dhoni. 

"He's very calm; he's very assured; he is like a young MS Dhoni; I think with his captaincy. He doesn't lose his calm, he doesn't lose his cool, and he knows what is going on and he knows what is going on and reads the game well," Swann had concluded.

MS Dhoni, the ice-cold captain of CSK, led his franchise to five IPL titles. The quality that stood out for Dhoni was his composure during moments of extreme pressure.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson, who is known for his sheer talent, finally bagged an opportunity given to him by scoring his maiden international century against South Africa in the series-decider in Paarl.