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'Hope He Remembers..', Wasim Akram Recalls When He Cleaned Up 'This' IPL Captain

Rajgeeta Yadav

Former Pakistan captain and legendary pacer Wasim Akram [X.com]Former Pakistan captain and legendary pacer Wasim Akram [X.com]

Former Pakistan captain and legendary pacer Wasim Akram recently reminisced about a memorable encounter during his coaching stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2010 season. 

Akram, who served as KKR's bowling coach from 2010 to 2016, recalled a net session where he bowled to a 16-year-old Sanju Samson, now a prominent figure in Indian cricket.

Akram fondly recounted the session, highlighting the lack of bowlers in the camp that provided him with the opportunity to bowl. He described Samson as a shy youngster with exceptional wicketkeeping skills who came to bat during the session. 


Wasim Akram recalls when he dismissed Sanju Samson

"I think this incident happened in 2010. I remember KKR had a black kit in 2010. They changed to purple in 2011. So we organized a camp before IPL. Not at Eden Gardens, but on another ground. So there were few bowlers only available for the camp. Sanju Samson came in to bat. He was a very shy boy then. He used to be silent, and his wicketkeeping skills were great. Then, he came to bat as well."

Akram vividly remembered dismissing Samson with a superb delivery after beating him with a couple of outswingers. He even mimicked the sendoff he gave to the young batsman, indicating a memorable moment that stuck with both of them.

"So, I took the ball, and I hope Sanju you remember this. Sanju will remember this. I beat him with a couple of outswingers. I was also young at that time. The third ball I bowled an inswinger and rattled his stumps. So I went and did like this (shows the sendoff he gave by swinging his finger)," he added.

Despite the brief interaction, Akram sensed Samson's potential and predicted a bright future for him in cricket. True to Akram's foresight, Samson has evolved into a quality player, currently leading the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.