'Two teams were trying to poach Sanju Samson,' reveals Aakash Chopra; lauds Smith's ouster

With franchises shifting gears in preparation for IPL 2021, Aakash Chopra has revealed that two teams attempted to 'poach' new Rajasthan Royal's skipper - Sanju Samson. cricketer-turned-commentator has stated that 3-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Virat Kohli-led RCB had set ir eyes on young Kerala batsman who had taken IPL 2020 by storm with his powerful kcks. Chopra reasoned that after receiving interest for Samson, Royals would have thought to increase his 'stature' in team. 

“I have come to kw that re were 2 teams who were trying to poach Sanju Samson, trying to lure him. One was Royal Challengers Bangalore and or was Chennai Super Kings. After being approached by se two franchises, even Royals would have thought to t only retain Samson but also increase his stature in team,” Aakash Chopra said on Star Sports.

Steve Smith released

Samson was anunced as skipper of Royals on Wednesday when franchise decided against retaining Australian talisman Steve Smith. Reacting to same, Chopra sided with Royals' decision to part ways with Smith stating that Australian is t 'worth' Rs 12.5 crore. 

READ | Sanju Samson To Lead Rajasthan In IPL 2021, Sangakkara Roped In As Director Of Cricket

“I don’t like idea of an overseas captain. When you go with an overseas captain, he is 25% of your resource from overseas lot. I think it’s a good move to release Steve Smith. I don’t think he is worth Rs 12.5 crore. I would be very surprised if someone bids this much for him,” Chopra added.

Rajasthan have anunced that young gun Sanju Samson will lead squad in upcoming edition of IPL. youngster, who has played for Delhi before his stint with Rajasthan, was one of key players for squad in IPL 2020. franchise has also anunced that y would be retaining 17 players and will release remaining 8 players ahead of mini-auction. Moreover, former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has been roped in as team's Director of cricket. 

READ | As IPL 2021 Mini-auction Nears, Here's A List Of Players Retained & Released By Franchises

Uthappa traded off

Chennai have acquired services of veteran wicket-keeper batsman Robin Uthappa from Rajasthan in an all cash deal, franchise anunced on late Thursday night. move comes despite team's criticism of housing several senior players, a factor which contributed to its dismal performance in IPL 2020. 

Speaking on development, Robin Uthappa said, "I really enjoyed my year at Royals and had a great time being part of this franchise. I am w excited for next part of my cricketing journey joining Chennai for IPL 2021."

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