Former Indian pacer S. Sreesanth has recommended a change in leadership for the Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR). Sreesanth criticised RR skipper Sanju Samson as a captain, calling out an absence of ‘consistent’ results on his part. He thus went forward proposing Jos Buttler as the perfect replacement as the captain for the upcoming IPL 2024.
“According to me, Rajasthan Royals need to change their system. Sanju being captain, first of all, he has to take leadership very seriously or make Buttler the captain. At least, Buttler has won a World Cup. Yes, he can do well, but [RR need] someone else who can actually be consistent.” said Sreesanth talking to Sportskeeda.
Rajasthan Royals need change ahead of IPL 2024
Despite Samju Samson leading the Rajasthan Royals in the past three IPL seasons, Sreesanth argues it is time for a shift. In his perspective, the team, which clinched the inaugural IPL title, isn’t reaping the benefits of Samson’s captaincy due to his inconsistent performances. According to Sreesanth, a seasoned IPL campaigner with the Rajasthan Royals, the team already possesses a proven leader in Buttler. The English player not only boasts IPL experience but also secured the T20 World Cup title with the English team in 2022.
“As a captain, you need someone who will win matches for you, if not every match, every three-four games. IPL is a big tournament. There are lots of matches, but you can’t rely on somebody who comes out once in a blue moon and scores runs,”
Sanju Samson as Rajasthan Royals captain:
Sanju Samson holds a mixed record as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals. Over the course of 45 matches under his leadership, the team secured victories in 22 games while facing defeat in 23. Samson led the Royals to the runner-up position in the 2022 IPL, where they lost to the Gujarat Titans in the final. However, the team’s performance dipped in the 2023 season, finishing in fifth place after winning seven and losing seven of their 14 league-stage matches.