Sanju Samson recently opened up about how deeply he admired MS Dhoni as a youngster, revealing that one of his biggest aspirations in the IPL was simply to be in Dhoni’s presence.
He said that every time his team played against Chennai Super Kings, he yearned to sit beside “Mahi bhai,” pick his brain, and absorb the way he approached cricket. For Samson, even just being around Dhoni was more than a dream—it felt like a calling. This admiration has been a part of Samson’s cricketing journey for years, and it shaped how he saw his own growth in the sport.
The Pivotal Meeting in the UAE
Samson finally got his chance to meet Dhoni during the 2020–21 IPL season, held in the UAE, after a stellar innings of 74 off 32 balls against CSK in Sharjah.
That match-turning knock earned him the Player of the Match, and after celebrating that victory, he went to meet Dhoni. At that moment, all his years of admiration culminated into a genuine conversation—and the beginning of a meaningful relationship. Samson said it was a very blessed moment for him, as if a long-held dream was becoming reality.
Growing Respect and Bond Over Time
Since that first meeting, Samson says his bond with Dhoni has only grown stronger. Over time, he has participated in photoshoots and promotional events alongside his hero, and those moments feel surreal to him.
He describes the relationship as something very special—he went from idolizing Dhoni to being part of his circle in certain professional settings. Samson’s journey reflects not just the fulfillment of a childhood fantasy, but also his evolution as a cricketer who deeply respects Dhoni’s influence and legacy.
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