‘All the time wished to be round Mahi bhai’: Sanju Samson opens up on bond with MS Dhoni and expectations from Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Cricket Information – The Instances of India

NEW DELHI: Because the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 approaches, Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has shared insights into his cherished bond with former Indian skipper MS Dhoni and expressed his pleasure about RR’s younger sensation, Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
In a candid dialog on JioHotstar’s ‘SuperStar’ program, Samson spoke about his admiration for Dhoni and the way their relationship has developed over time. Dhoni, who shall be taking part in within the 2025 IPL season for Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) below new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, continues to be an enormous affect on younger cricketers.
Go Past The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
“Like each younger Indian cricketer, I all the time wished to be round MS Dhoni,” Samson stated. “Each time we performed towards CSK, I wished to take a seat and speak to him, ask him how he does issues. It was a dream for me.”
Recalling a particular second from a match towards CSK in Sharjah, Samson added, “I keep in mind taking part in a match towards CSK in Sharjah, the place I lastly carried out nicely, scored round 70-80 runs, gained the sport, and have become the Man of the Match. After that, I met Mahi bhai, and since then, our relationship has grown. Even now, I meet him typically. Simply yesterday, I met him once more. It is actually a blessed feeling–to go from idolising him to now sitting with him for shoots and occasions. I really feel like I am dwelling my dream.”

Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The brand new prodigy
Whereas reflecting on his bond with Dhoni, Samson additionally spoke extremely of Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 13-year-old prodigy who grew to become the youngest signing in IPL historical past final yr. Acquired by RR for Rs 1.1 crore through the mega-auction, Vaibhav has already showcased his expertise on the home circuit. He made his first-class debut for Bihar at simply 12 years outdated and has impressed together with his fearless six-hitting capacity.
Talking on the teenager’s potential, Samson remarked, “For me, somewhat than giving recommendation, I favor observing first–how a teenager desires to play his cricket, what he likes, and what sort of help he wants from me. Then, I work my approach round that. Vaibhav appears to be like very assured; he was hitting sixes out of the bottom on the academy. Folks had been already speaking about his power-hitting. What else are you able to ask for?”
Suryavanshi, who performed for India U19 towards Australia final yr and smashed a 58-ball century, additionally impressed within the ACC Below-19 Asia Cup 2024-25, scoring 176 runs in 5 matches. Samson believes that nurturing his pure expertise whereas sustaining a supportive surroundings shall be essential for the teenager’s improvement.
“The hot button is to maintain him in one of the best form and supply a relaxed surroundings, which is one thing the Rajasthan Royals (RR) is understood for,” Samson stated. “We guarantee a optimistic environment within the dressing room and again our gamers. You by no means know–he may find yourself taking part in for India in a few years. I really feel he’s prepared for the IPL. He appears to be like able to touchdown just a few strong punches right here and there. Allow us to see what the long run holds.”