Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has opened up about his memorable first encounter with cricket legend MS Dhoni, sharing heartfelt details that reveal his long-standing admiration for the iconic captain. This emotional revelation comes amid swirling social media speculation about Samson's potential move from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings.
The Dream Meeting With Cricket Legend
In an exclusive video shared on Star Sports' X platform, Samson expressed what every young Indian cricketer feels about MS Dhoni. "As every young Indian cricketer, I wanted to be around MS Dhoni," Samson confessed. "Every single time you meet him, every single time you know that you're going to play against CSK, it's like you want to sit with Mahi bhai, talk to him, understand how he does things. Even just sitting around him was a dream as a young cricketer."
The Rajasthan Royals captain, who began his IPL journey with the franchise back in 2013, finally got his opportunity to meet his idol during the 2020/21 season. The much-anticipated encounter came only after Samson felt he had earned the right through his performance on the field.
The Perfect Setting For A Dream Come True
Samson's first meeting with Dhoni came under the most ideal circumstances possible. The wicketkeeper-batter had just delivered an outstanding performance at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, scoring 74 runs off just 32 balls against Chennai Super Kings. His explosive batting led Rajasthan Royals to a 16-run victory over Dhoni's team, earning Samson the Player of the Match award.
"When I came to play the IPL, after the match, I thought of meeting him. But several people were already there to meet him," Samson revealed about the crowded scenes that typically surround the legendary captain. "I went and met him in the 8th year of my IPL. I waited to help my side win a match against the CSK. I made some runs and won the POTM. After that, I went and met him."
The meeting marked a turning point in Samson's relationship with his childhood hero. "After that, my relationship has been going upwards. It has been a very blessed feeling. I have done shoots with him. It feels like a dream," the Rajasthan Royals captain shared, still sounding amazed by his journey.
Trade Rumors Create Cricket Frenzy
While Samson reminisces about his Dhoni memories, the cricket world is buzzing with reports about his potential transfer to Chennai Super Kings. Social media platforms are flooded with speculation that Samson might be traded to CSK in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, though official confirmation remains pending.
This potential move would mark the end of Samson's eight-year association with Rajasthan Royals, with reports suggesting the trade deal is already complete. The prospect of Samson joining Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk has generated significant excitement among cricket enthusiasts, as it would bring him closer to working regularly with the very idol he admired from afar.
MS Dhoni, now 44, has established himself as one of cricket's most successful leaders in history. His remarkable achievements include guiding India to victories in the T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, and Champions Trophy, while also leading Chennai Super Kings to five IPL championships, creating an unmatched legacy in the tournament.
The potential trade represents a full-circle moment for Samson, who waited eight years to properly introduce himself to his hero, and now might find himself sharing the dressing room with the legendary captain he once dreamed of merely sitting beside.
