Former Rajasthan Royals captain and Australian legend Shane Warne has predicted young Sanju Samson to become the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 player of the tournament. He also believed Rajasthan Royal are the favourites to win the tournament in 2019.

Warne, who has been a vocal admirer of Samson over the years, has backed the young man which is not surprising considering the experience and pedigree of Samson. He has scored 1,867 runs at an average of 26.67 in 81 matches. He has also notched up a century and 10 half-centuries in the league with the highest score of 102.

Warne led Rajasthan to their maiden IPL triumph in the very first season back in 2008 has been appointed the brand ambassador of the franchise.

“I’m very happy to be back with the Royals and I’m grateful to the team and the fans for their constant support. It was important for us to retain our established values but at the same time develop a new and modern identity. I am already in love with the new look of the team and hope the fans will love it too,” he said after the announcement.

Rajasthan Royals, who have managed to assemble a very potent squad, will start their IPL 2019 campaign against Kings XI Punjab on March 25.

First Published: Mar 12, 2019 10:07 IST