Yuzvendra Chahal's Praise for Sanju Samson
Yuzvendra Chahal, a prominent spinner, recently opened up about his experiences in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and revealed that he considers Sanju Samson to be the best captain he's played under. This admiration stems from their successful collaboration while Chahal was with the Rajasthan Royals from 2022 to 2024. In a candid interview with Mashable India, Chahal shared insights into how Samson's captaincy transformed his approach to bowling, particularly in crucial match situations.
Sanju's Innovative Captaincy
Chahal expressed his appreciation for Samson's innovative strategies, especially his willingness to use a spinner during the death overs—a rarity in IPL. “Sanju made me a death over bowler,” Chahal noted, emphasizing the impact of Samson’s decision-making on his performance. Under Samson's guidance, Chahal experienced a significant improvement in his wicket-taking ability, which contributed to his reputation as one of the most effective bowlers in the league.
Reflecting on his time at RR, Chahal highlighted his impressive wicket tally over those three years:
| Year | Wickets |
|---|
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 18 |
. These numbers serve as testament to his growth and success, largely attributed to the freedom and trust that Samson bestowed upon him.
Chahal's Transition to Punjab Kings
Despite his successful stint, Chahal was released ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction and subsequently signed with Punjab Kings for a staggering ?18 crore. This move marks a significant transition in his career, yet he continues to carry fond memories of his time with Rajasthan Royals. “Sanju won’t disturb you and allow you to bowl as you like,” Chahal added, underlining the unique support he received from his former captain.
With this new chapter with Punjab Kings, fans are eager to see how Chahal adapts under a different leadership and continues to evolve as a player. Can he replicate or even surpass his impressive track record with his new team? Time will tell.
Conclusion
Yuzvendra Chahal’s reflections on Sanju Samson reveal the dynamics of successful captaincy in the IPL. As the tournament progresses, both players remain pivotal in their respective teams, and fans will be watching closely.