Sanju Samson recently opened up about his deep admiration for MS Dhoni and how his relationship with the former Indian captain has evolved from one of idolization to a more personal, meaningful bond. Samson, who made his international debut in 2015, admitted that while he got sporadic chances to represent India early on, it was only after Dhoni’s retirement from international cricket in 2020 that he began receiving regular opportunities in the national squad.
Throughout his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals (RR), Samson looked forward to matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — not just for the competitive thrill but for the chance to interact with Dhoni, whom he sees as both a mentor and an inspiration. Samson shared that he made it a point to seek Dhoni’s advice whenever their teams clashed, cherishing every conversation and nugget of wisdom.
He recalled one turning point in particular — a 2020 match in Sharjah, where he played a blistering knock of 70-80 runs, earning the Player of the Match award. After that performance, Samson finally got the chance to speak at length with Dhoni, a moment he described as unforgettable. From that day onward, their bond began to grow stronger.
"Like every young Indian cricketer, I always wanted to be around MS Dhoni," Samson said on JioHotstar's ‘SuperStar’ programme. "Every time we played against CSK, I wanted to sit and talk to him, ask him how he does things — how he remains so calm, how he plans strategies, and how he leads. It was a dream for me.”
Samson continued, "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. Even now, I meet him often. Just yesterday, I met him again. It’s truly a blessed feeling — to go from idolizing him to now sitting with him for shoots and events. I feel like I’m living my dream."
Despite his growing stature in the cricketing world, Samson remains grounded and still looks up to Dhoni for guidance. The RR skipper has become known for his fearless batting and calm leadership — qualities he admits were inspired by Dhoni’s composed and tactical approach to the game.
However, Samson’s journey hasn’t been without its share of obstacles. In February 2024, he sustained a finger injury during India’s fifth T20I against England after a sharp bouncer from Jofra Archer struck him. The injury required surgery, causing him to miss crucial domestic matches, including Kerala’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Jammu & Kashmir. His absence left a noticeable gap in the squad, but Samson has been focusing on recovery and is determined to make a strong comeback.
Rajasthan Royals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign on March 23, facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. However, fans are especially looking forward to RR’s showdown with CSK on March 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati — a fixture that’s sure to be emotional for Samson, given his enduring connection to Dhoni and his hunger to perform against one of IPL’s most formidable teams.
As Samson gears up for the season, he carries not only his team’s hopes but also the wisdom and encouragement he’s gained from Dhoni over the years. Whether it’s behind the stumps or leading his team from the front, he continues to embody the calm, strategic mindset that his idol is known for — proving that some legacies transcend the game itself.
