Dravid was the RR skipper when an 18-year-old Samson made his IPL debut in 2013, before transitioning as team mentor for the next two seasons. After being in the national set-up, including coaching India to 2024 Men\u2019s T20 World Cup win, Dravid is back in RR as their head coach when IPL 2025 starts from March 22.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It\u2019s quite funny how things work out. In my first season, Rahul sir was the one who spotted me during the trials. He was the captain back then, looking out for young talent. After watching me, he came up to me and said, \u2018Okay, can you play for my team?\u2019 From that day to today, it feels surreal.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNow, I am the captain of the franchise, and Rahul sir has returned after so many years to coach the team. It\u2019s a unique and special feeling. He was always part of the Rajasthan Royals family, and we are all grateful to have him back.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI have played under him both at Rajasthan Royals and in the Indian team when he was the coach. But now, having him as a coach while I captain the side is something truly special. I am looking forward to learning a lot from him in the coming years, and it\u2019s really exciting,\" said Samson on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
RR, the inaugural edition winners, will open their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 23. Asked about what one can expect from Dravid\u2019s second stint with RR, Samson remarked, \"I\u2019ve always observed him from a distance and also been close to him. He\u2019s a top-notch professional who ensures that every aspect of preparation is taken care of.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was with him last month in Nagpur, Talegaon, and saw how involved he is. From 10 AM in the morning till 5 PM in the evening, in the heat, he was there watching batsmen bat and bowlers bowl, interacting with them, discussing strategies with the coaches.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe is fully committed to the team, from A to Z. That\u2019s something I admire and want to learn\u2014how to prepare better. Preparation is a key part of his character, and I want to incorporate that into my own approach,\" he elaborated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was with him last month in Nagpur, Talegaon, and saw how involved he is. From 10 AM in the morning till 5 PM in the evening, in the heat, he was there watching batsmen bat and bowlers bowl, interacting with them, discussing strategies with the coaches.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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