New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis has shared his thoughts on the significance of Sanju Samson’s exit, calling the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman the face of the franchise for the past ten years. He believes that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) losing Samson is a monumental shift for both the fans and the IPL.

Samson has made a noteworthy transition from RR to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prior to the auction, marking a significant move as the five-time champions traded Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan. The two teams are set to compete in their opening matches on March 30 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

“When I consider the IPL and the franchises that stand out in the league, they all share a key attribute: a marquee Indian player who has represented the team for a significant duration, like Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. For me, Sanju Samson was that player for the Rajasthan Royals. Although he belongs to a newer generation, he truly embodied that franchise. When I think of RR, Sanju Samson comes to mind. His absence is a significant blow for the fans, the IPL, and the overall tournament, given his substantial contributions,” du Plessis remarked during an interview with JioStar.

Du Plessis also pointed out the added pressure on young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who will need to adapt to new responsibilities in the batting order. “Yashasvi Jaiswal has had the advantage of Sanju Samson’s consistent performances within the batting lineup. With Sanju’s reliable run-scoring, it allowed him to play his game freely. Now that this support is gone, the expectations on him will increase,” he explained.

“For someone like him, the focus should be on playing aggressively, aiming for big hits. This season will present a learning curve for him as he contemplates whether to stay true to his natural style or take on a more senior role in terms of scoring runs. It will be fascinating to see how he navigates this. I believe he will maintain his attacking approach, as it is crucial to his game,” he added.

Regarding the addition of England all-rounder Sam Curran, du Plessis emphasized his adaptability and the leadership he brings to a young captain. He stated, “Sam Curran had an impressive season in T20 cricket last year, excelling during The Hundred and consistently performing well globally. He is currently in excellent form and is stepping up for England, particularly in challenging situations.”

“Curran’s versatility is essential for the team, as he can contribute during the powerplay, bowl effectively in the middle overs, and excel in death bowling with yorkers and slower deliveries. His skill set is significant. Moreover, he offers valuable experience and leadership support to a young captain in the locker room. The presence of more leaders can only bolster the support for Riyan,” he concluded.