IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals has named Sanju Samson as their captain for the forthcoming IPL season 2021. Sanju Samson thus becomes the third Indian after Rahul Dravid and Ajnkya Rahane to captain the franchise since its inception. MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and, Rohit Sharma among the many who wished the youngster on his appointment as the captain of the Jaipur-based franchise of the IPL.
Rajasthan Royals had a disastrous campaign last year in the UAE when they finished at the bottom of the table, and as a result, parted way with their captain Steve Smith before the auction. Sanju Samson was the highest run-getter in the previous season and was thus, appointed as the captain of the side. Manoj Badale, Co-Owner of the Royals underlined the importance of having an Indian at the helm. “Steve [Smith] has been a great player and great leader for the Royals, and we want to thank him for his contribution to the franchise. “[But] as the IPL has grown, the captaincy has become a year-round task, and as such strong local Indian leadership has become increasingly important. Sanju made his debut as a Royal, and it has been a joy to watch his development over the last eight years. He is the ideal person to lead the Royals into the 2021 season.” The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Kerala has already captained the Kerala side and the India U19 side in the past.
Rajasthan Royals will be eyeing to clinch their second title since 2008 and have revamped their team with some of the interesting names from the cricketing world. They have acquired the service of Kumar Sangakkara as the director of cricket and Trevor Penny as their head assistant coach. They have also roped in Christopher Morris, Shivam Dube, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman, Liam Livingstone, K.C Cariappa, Akash Singh as part of the squad for the IPL 2021.