Sanju Samson has been exceptional as skipper, says Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara tracks down Sanju Samson “exceptional” as he had to manage wicket-keeping, captaincy and batting easily in a competition of IPL’s stature.

RR effectively beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets on Friday to arrive at their most memorable IPL final beginning around 2008 and have a shot at a subsequent title.

“Sanju has been exceptional. He started off with quite a tough test last season with a young side and lot of upheaval because of COVID bubbles, tournament of two halves but he has really grown into his role,” Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference.

“He is very soft-spoken, very reserved individual. He is exceptionally skilled with the bat. He has shown a lot of passion and hunger to taking on this testing role of captaincy. Wicket-keeping, captaining and being the best batter in your side along with Jos Buttler is not an easy kind of role to fill but he has done it really well this season,” he added.

Sangakkara feels that Samson has become more mindful about his job in the side.

“He has become more and more aware of what his role is. His tactical awareness has improved right throughout. He has really trusted his team. The team really looks up to him as a leader,” the former Lankan skipper added.