India’s medium pacer Sandeep Sharma went unsold in the IPL 2023 auction and it seemed that his career was hitting rock bottom. However, Sharma revealed how Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson helped him to turn the tables.

Sandeep scalped 13 wickets in 11 matches of IPL 2024 at a decent economy rate of 8.18 while bowling in the death overs as he grabbed his chance with both hands and played a key role in helping the inaugural champions reach the playoffs stages.

“I got a call from Sanju (Samson), he talked to me. He told me a lot of positive things. He explained how me going unsold also made him feel bad personally. He believed in me and told me that I would get a chance that season (IPL 2023). He told me how there were injury problems in every team and even in RR. He told me that in that season I would play IPL and will do well,” Sandeep said on Taruwar Kohli podcast.

“He was the only guy who made me feel positive during that time, which actually helped me a lot. He was the only one who talked in the present. He then called me to the RR camp, and then I got in because Prasidh, unfortunately, got injured. Since then, I have been playing every game as my last and enjoy it all,” Sandeep added.

Across the IPL 2023 and 2024 seasons, Sandeep picked up 23 wickets in 22 matches and has done a fine job for RR. On the other hand, Sanju Samson has been getting the best out of his players at Rajasthan Royals.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Sharma has scalped 137 wickets in 126 IPL matches at an average of 27.07 and an economy rate of 7.89.