Who is Sanju Samson?
Sanju Samson is a professional Indian cricketer known for his elegant batting style and explosive power. A wicketkeeper-batsman, he has become a household name due to his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his occasional appearances for India in international formats.
Table of Contents
🌱 Early Life and Background
👶 Childhood in Kerala
Born on November 11, 1994, in Pulluvila, Kerala, Sanju hails from a humble and devout Christian family. His father, Samson Viswanath, was a former police constable and football player, and his discipline shaped Sanju’s early life.
🏠 Family Support and Influence
Sanju’s brother Saly Samson and his father played a vital role in his development. His father even resigned from his job to fully support his cricket journey. A clear demonstration of belief and sacrifice.
🏏 Domestic Cricket Debut
🏠 Journey with Kerala Team
Sanju made his first-class debut for Kerala in 2011 at the age of just 17. He showed maturity beyond his years, quickly catching the eye of selectors.
📈 Key Performances in Ranji Trophy
He was a top scorer for Kerala in multiple Ranji seasons, with notable hundreds and consistent performances. His calm temperament and aggressive batting made him a reliable middle-order anchor.
🏆 Breakthrough in the IPL
👑 Rajasthan Royals Journey
Sanju Samson became a sensation in the IPL when Rajasthan Royals picked him up in 2013. Since then, he has played several match-winning innings and was named captain in 2021.
📊 Key Stats and Match-Winning Innings
- Fastest 50 in IPL 2021 – 21 balls
- First IPL century – 102* vs RPS
- Over 4000 IPL runs with a healthy strike rate
- One of the youngest IPL captains
🌍 Sanju Samson’s International Career
🏏 T20I Debut and Performance
He made his T20I debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe but had a rocky start. Over time, though, his shot selection and stability have improved drastically.
🥇 ODI Journey: Ups and Downs
Sanju’s ODI debut came in 2021. Despite limited opportunities, he has shown promise with a few crucial knocks, including a 50+ score against South Africa that proved his potential as a middle-order stabilizer.
🎯 Style of Play and Strengths
Sanju is a naturally aggressive batsman who plays spin and pace with equal ease. Known for:
- Clean hitting ability
- Cover drives and lofted on-drives
- Quick glove work behind the stumps
- Leadership skills under pressure
🏅 Records and Achievements
- Youngest player to score an IPL 50
- First Kerala player to be selected in Indian national team
- Captained Kerala and Rajasthan Royals at a young age
- 3 IPL centuries (as of 2025 season)
- Over 10 stumpings and 30 catches in IPL
🔄 Comparison with Other Indian Wicketkeepers
| Player | Batting Style | Strength | IPL Runs | International Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | Aggressive | Lofted shots, Glovework | 4000+ | 30+ |
| Rishabh Pant | Explosive | Pulls, Reverses | 3000+ | 100+ |
| Ishan Kishan | Fearless | Power hitting | 2000+ | 40+ |
Sanju offers a balanced option with technical stability and calm leadership.
❓ FAQs About Sanju Samson
1. What is Sanju Samson’s full name?
Sanju Viswanath Samson.
2. Is Sanju Samson married?
Yes, he is married to Charulatha Samson since 2018.
3. Which IPL team does Sanju Samson play for?
He plays for and captains Rajasthan Royals.
4. When did Sanju debut in international cricket?
He made his T20I debut in 2015 and ODI debut in 2021.
5. What is Sanju Samson’s role in cricket?
He is a wicketkeeper-batsman and occasional team captain.
6. Why is Sanju Samson not a regular in the Indian team?
Due to tough competition and inconsistent performances early on. However, he is still in contention for major roles.
