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[Saba Sports News] Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram recently shared a nostalgic moment from his time as the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Serving from 2010 to 2016, Akram recalled a specific training camp incident involving a young Sanju Samson.
Akram described the event: “I think it was back in 2010. KKR wore black kits that year before switching to purple in 2011. We had organized a camp, not at Eden Gardens but at another ground. There were only a few bowlers available, and Sanju Samson came in to bat. He was quite shy and reserved at the time, known for his wicketkeeping. Then he came to bat,” during an interview on Sportskeeda.
In that practice session, Akram took advantage of the few bowlers to demonstrate his own bowling prowess against the 16-year-old Samson. “I bowled a couple of outswingers first, and on the third ball, I delivered an inswinger that rattled his stumps. I remember giving him a little sendoff by swinging my finger,” Akram recounted.
Although their interaction was brief, Akram saw potential in Samson. “He didn’t get much of a chance then, but I could see he had the makings of a good player. Being around big names can be intimidating for young players, but even from our short time together, I felt he could develop into a significant talent,” he reflected.
Today, Sanju Samson leads the Rajasthan Royals, with his team currently at the top of the IPL standings. Akram’s recollection not only revisits a formative moment in Samson’s career but also underscores the influential role a seasoned mentor can play in nurturing young talent.