Sanju Samson has been making waves recently amid his ongoing dispute with the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). After being left out of the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, the KCA accused Samson of skipping a preparatory camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, further alleging he “lacked discipline.” Samson’s father, Viswanath, has now accused the KCA of attempting to derail his son’s career, revealing how Rahul Dravid stepped in to prevent it years ago.
Speaking on Sports Today, Viswanath shared that Dravid played a crucial role in Sanju’s journey when he was just 11 years old. He stated that Dravid helped shield his son from adversity and inspired him to persevere.
“I will tell you one incident about Rahul Dravid. When KCA had tried to disregard Sanju and destroy his career, Dravid ji had interfered in the matter. Wherever Sanju is at today, he owes it to Rahul Dravid. I have not forgotten anyone who has given us warmth and generosity. When action was being taken against Samson, they had given up his kit and everything else. Then, one day, we were all sad and sitting at home when Sanju got a call from Rahul sir. Sanju was overjoyed. He picked up the phone crying. The mood in the house was sombre,” Samson Viswanath revealed. He added, “After keeping down the phone, he told me ‘it was Rahul sir’. He said ‘Sanju, I understand all that is happening with you. They are all jealous of you. Tu chinta mat kar (Don’t worry). Don’t get your morale down. I have taken care of it. You keep training and get ready for NCA’. He operated at a level higher than the KCA and took Sanju under his wings.”
The first match of the ongoing T20I series between India and England saw India show all their might, winning the toss and electing to field. Indian bowlers had a stellar outing, restricting England to just 132 runs in 20 overs. Skipper Jos Buttler was the sole standout for England, scoring a gritty 68 off 44 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes.
India got Varun Chakravarthy to head the bowling department with 3/23, as Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel claimed two wickets apiece.
India comfortably chased down the target with seven wickets in hand and 43 balls to spare. Sanju Samson added some quickfire runs for 26 off 20 balls, with four boundaries and a six. But it was Abhishek Sharma who took away the show with 79 off just 34 deliveries, five fours, and eight sixes.
Varun Chakravarthy was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his outstanding bowling performance.