The long-standing dispute between Sanju Samson and the Kerala Cricket Association has escalated significantly. What initially started as Samson being omitted from Kerala's squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy has now turned into a bitter feud, with serious accusations being made by Samson's father, Viswanath, against the association. Viswanath has accused KCA of deliberately sabotaging his son's career, pointing fingers at specific individuals within the organization. In a candid interview with Sports Tak, Viswanath detailed the alleged conspiracies orchestrated by KCA against his son.
Samson's tumultuous relations with Kerala aren't new. In fact, they date back to when Samson was yet to hit his teens. As per Viswanath, the KCA has been hell-bent on destroying Samson's career from as early as when he was 11 years old. However, amid all the chaos, Samson Viswanath claims his son breathed a sigh of relief after an intervention from none other than 'The Wall' Rahul Dravid. Narrating how Dravid's 'interference' revived Sanju Samson's career, Sanju's father shared how the former India captain's efforts paved the way for a promising future for his son.
"I will tell you one incident about Rahul Dravid. When KCA had tried to disregard Sanju and destroy his career, Dravid ji had interfered in the matter. Wherever Sanju is at today, he owes it to Rahul Dravid. I have not forgotten anyone who has given us warmth and generosity. When action was being taken against Samson, they had given up his kit and everything else. Then, one day, we were all sad and sitting at home when Sanju got a call from Rahul sir. Sanju was overjoyed. He picked up the phone crying. The mood in the house was sombre," Samson Viswanath said on Sports Today.
'They' jealous but don't you worry', Dravid told Samson
Dravid and Samson later shared the dressing room at Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2013 season. It's well-known that Dravid was present during Samson's trials for the franchise and was thoroughly impressed by his powerful hitting. Recognising his potential, Dravid took it upon himself to ensure that a talent like Samson didn't fade into obscurity.
"After keeping down the phone, he told me 'it was Rahul sir'. He said 'Sanju, I understand all that is happening with you. They are all jealous of you. Tu chinta mat kar (Don't worry). Don't get your morale down. I have taken care of it. You keep training and get ready for NCA'. He operated at a level higher than the KCA and took Sanju under his wings," added Samson Viswanath.
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