Sanju Samson reveals what he wants to learn from MS Dhoni at CSK

India’s T20 World Cup-winning star Sanju Samson said on Monday that he hopes to learn a few valuable lessons from the legendary MS Dhoni when he joins the former India captain at Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League.

Eager to learn from MS Dhoni

Having spent most of his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals, the India wicketkeeper batter will now be seen in CSK colours when the two sides meet in their tournament opener in Guwahati on March 30.

"I have spoken to Mahi bhai (Dhoni) over the phone and interacted with him, but playing with him as part of a team will be great. I see it as an opportunity to learn from him," Samson told reporters.

Facing Rajasthan Royals brings mixed emotions

While the match will technically be a home fixture for Rajasthan Royals, the IPL’s 2008 champions, Samson admitted that being in the opposition camp will feel different. However, the 31 year old said he will not allow emotions to influence how he performs on the field.

"(I am) looking forward to playing for CSK, I feel grateful for the love and attention I have been getting from fans," he said.

"This is the first time I will play against Rajasthan Royals, but I don't let emotions rule me on the field. I left Rajasthan Royals because I felt my time in the team was over. Even if we come up against them now, I will play my best cricket," Samson added.

World cup triumph a spiritual moment

Samson revealed that he spent some time reflecting after a modest run leading into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup but described winning the tournament as a deeply personal and spiritual experience.

"I wasn't very confident when I left home to play in the World Cup but the universe had other plans; I played well and the reception has been great," said Samson who was adjudged the Player of the Tournament in World Cup.

"When I go out on the field I carry the dreams of thousands with me; they want to see me perform well to know that a small-town boy can play on the biggest stage in cricket,” said Samson.

Samson scored 89, 97 not out and 89 in his last three matches of the tournament helping India clinch their third T20 World Cup title. Among those innings, he described the unbeaten 97 against the West Indies cricket team in the virtual knockout Super Eights clash as the most crucial.

"After the New Zealand series I did a lot of introspection and rebuilt my mindset, I realised that I had the talent. (The knock of) 97 against West Indies was the most important knock in my opinion, as I had to keep my cool even as wickets fell on the other end," Samson said.

During the tournament receiving a congratulatory message from Sachin Tendulkar was one of the most memorable moments for Samson.

However, he said a heartfelt hug from India head coach Gautam Gambhir after the title win was equally meaningful.

"Gauti bhai and I share a very close relationship that goes long back; he didn't say much he just hugged me for a long 30 seconds that's how we communicated," said Samson adding that he takes great pride in representing the Malayali community on the international stage.

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