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Rahul Dravid shielded Sanju Samson from KCA's actions, reveals Samson's father
The ongoing tussle between the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson has been highlighted by Samson's father for one and all to see. As per Samson Viswanath, the KCA has consistently acted as a hurdle in the career of his son, Sanju. Recently, Samson landed under the BCCI scanner for missing out on playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, his father alleged that the KCA had ulterior motives when they excluded the star player from the squad for the domestic tournament. Now, as Sanju Samson represents India in the T20I leg of the England Tour of India, his father has once again made headlines. This time, however, Viswanath highlighted former Indian cricketer and coach Rahul Dravid as the guiding light behind Sanju's journey in the sport.
"Don't worry, they are jealous": Rahul Dravid told Sanju Samson amid KCA tussle
The conflict, which first caught public attention when Samson was excluded from Kerala's Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, has escalated into a full-fledged dispute. The India batter's father, Viswanath, has made serious allegations against the association, accusing certain "small people" within the KCA of trying to tarnish and ruin his son's career. In a fiery statement, Viswanath detailed what he described as conspiracies plotted by the KCA against his son.
This strained relationship between Samson and the Kerala Cricket Association isn't new but dates back to his pre-teen years. According to Viswanath, the KCA has been attempting to derail Samson's cricketing journey since he was just 11 years old. However, amidst all the turmoil, Viswanath revealed that his son found relief and hope thanks to an intervention by none other than Rahul Dravid, fondly referred to as "The Wall."
"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 in his latest interaction.
Viswanath explained how Dravid's involvement revived Samson's career and laid the foundation for a brighter future. Dravid and Samson eventually shared the Rajasthan Royals dressing room during the 2013 IPL season. Dravid, who witnessed Samson's trial for the franchise, was deeply impressed by his powerful hitting and raw talent. Determined not to let such a promising player fade away, Dravid played a key role in ensuring Samson got the opportunities he deserved.
"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.
