'It Was Difficult For Him As Well': RR Coach Rahul Dravid Reveals Sanju Samson's Role In Retention

Rajasthan Royals (RR) he coach Rahul Dravid has revealed that skipper Sanju Samson played a significant role in team's retention decisions, which saw m opt for maximum six retentions ahe of Indian Premier League ( IPL ) mega auction. Dravid praised Samson for his involvement and balanced views, stating that it was a difficult process for him as well.

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Rahul Dravid lauds Sanju Samson after IPL 2025 retention

Sanju Samson, who has been retained as team's No. 1 pick, was involved in decision-making process and h a say in which players were retained. Rahul Dravid commended Samson for his efforts, saying, "Sanju Samson played a big role in retention, and it was difficult for him as well. As a captain, he has built a lot of relationships with players. He has h a lot of balanced views about this."

“He has taken trouble to understand dynamics of it, pros and cons of this. So, I would like to praise him for discussing this with us. It was not an easy decision for us eir.”

team has retained six players, including Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma. Dravid explained that decision to retain six players was based on team's trust in ir talent and ir desire to maintain stability.

Dravid also discussed vantages of retaining six players, stating that it brings stability and allows team to build on ir core. However, he acknowledged that it also means having less money for auction.

RR coach also talked about changes in Right to Match (RTM) card rule, which will require teams to be more flexible in mega auction. Dravid believes that teams will have to be prepared and flexible during auction to build a strong squ.

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RR won title in tournament's inaugural edition in 2008 and Dravid said it's time franchise wins it again.

"For next season, expectation will be that we qualify and win. It's been many years since Rajasthan has won a title. So, our effort will be to win, but we also understand that re are very good teams in IPL."

(With PTI inputs)