‘Don’t Get Into “But”‘: Sanju Samson Reveals MS Dhoni’s Priceless Advice That Changed His IPL 2026 Mindset

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson has shared an inspiring lesson from MS Dhoni, revealing how the legendary former India captain helped him navigate a challenging start to the IPL 2026 season.

Known for his calm temperament and leadership, Dhoni has often been a mentor to several Indian cricketers. Samson admitted that one particular piece of advice from the Chennai Super Kings icon helped him overcome self-doubt and regain his focus when runs were hard to come by.

‘Don’t Get Into “But”‘

Recalling his conversation with Dhoni, Samson revealed that the veteran wicketkeeper advised him not to get trapped in excuses or overthinking.

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The message was simple yet powerful: “Don’t get into ‘but’.”

According to Samson, Dhoni explained that players often begin justifying poor performances with statements such as, “I played well, but…” or “I was unlucky, but…” Such thinking, Dhoni suggested, distracts players from accepting reality and focusing on improvement.

Instead, the former India captain encouraged Samson to acknowledge setbacks, learn from them, and move forward without searching for excuses.

A Tough Start to IPL 2026

Samson’s IPL 2026 campaign did not begin the way he had hoped. The Rajasthan Royals skipper struggled to convert starts into big scores, leading to criticism from fans and analysts.

Despite the pressure, Samson remained composed and continued to back his natural game. He credited Dhoni’s advice for helping him stay mentally balanced during a period when expectations were high and results were not going his way.

Rather than dwelling on failures, the wicketkeeper-batter focused on preparation and trusted that performances would eventually improve.

Dhoni’s Leadership Continues to Inspire

Although MS Dhoni has stepped away from international cricket, his influence on Indian cricket remains as strong as ever. Young and experienced players alike continue to seek guidance from the legendary captain, whose leadership philosophy has earned admiration across the cricketing world.

Dhoni’s emphasis on simplicity, patience, and mental clarity has played a key role in shaping several careers, and Samson’s latest revelation adds another example of the former captain’s lasting impact.

Fans Praise the Mentor-Student Bond

Samson’s comments quickly gained attention on social media, with cricket fans applauding Dhoni’s wisdom and leadership. Many described the advice as applicable not only in cricket but also in everyday life, where accepting setbacks without making excuses is often the first step toward improvement.

As the IPL season progresses, Samson will be hoping to translate that positive mindset into consistent performances for Rajasthan Royals. With Dhoni’s words guiding his approach, the talented batter appears determined to let his bat do the talking.