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‘Our Relationship Has Grown’: Sanju Samson Recalls Ice-Breaking Moment With MS Dhoni

Bhargav Dixit

MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson in the IPL. [Source: @imDhoni_fc/X]MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson in the IPL. [Source: @imDhoni_fc/X]

Being around and learning the tricks of the trade from former Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is a dream for many cricketers. Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson is no different.

That he is a wicket-keeper captain who bats right-handed adds more commonalities between him and Dhoni. As a result, no surprise that the 30-year-old player is always on hunt to meet the legendary cricketer.

11th IPL Half-Century Strengthened Samson’s Bond With Dhoni

While Samson’s maiden national call-up had come when Dhoni was leading India, it took him six years to strengthen his bond with him. Speaking to streaming platform JioHotstar ahead of Indian Premier League 2025, Samson recalled an ice-breaking moment with Dhoni.

“I remember playing a match against CSK in Sharjah, where I finally performed well, scored around 70-80 runs, won the game and became the Man of the Match. After that, I met Mahi bhai and since then, our relationship has grown,” Samson said.

For the unversed, Samson referred to a high-scoring IPL 2020 match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. With Dhoni inviting Rajasthan to bat first, Samson shared a 56-ball 121-run second-wicket partnership alongside then captain Steven Smith.

In what was his 11th IPL half-century, an eye-catching match-winning 74 (32) comprised a four and as many as nine sixes at a strike rate of 231.25. It was the sixth time when he won the match award in the biggest T20 league across the globe.

Samson, who considers interactions with Dhoni as dream-come-true, used to walk out with him for the toss IPL 2021 onwards. Been part of multiple advertisements and promotional events in his presence in the recent years, the two were even seen sharing screen during an ICC Champions Trophy 2025 commercial as well.