Sanju Samson

Sanju Viswanath Samson, born on November 11, 1994, in Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Trivandrum, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Indian cricket, particularly in the Twenty20 format. Known for his explosive batting and agile wicketkeeping skills, Samson has become a stalwart for his IPL franchise, Rajasthan Royals, where he has amassed over 3000 runs in the tournament’s history.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Samson’s cricketing journey began in Kerala, where he honed his skills on the junior circuit, showcasing impressive technique and a natural ability to time the ball crisply. Despite facing initial setbacks, including missing out on selection for India’s U-19 World Cup side, Samson’s talent was evident, leading to his acquisition by the Rajasthan Royals at the IPL auction in 2013, when he was just 18 years old.

Rise to Prominence

Since joining the Rajasthan Royals, Samson has been a mainstay in their lineup, delivering consistent performances season after season. His standout moment came in 2021 when he was appointed captain of the team, leading from the front with a series of match-winning innings, including a memorable 119 off 63 balls in the tournament opener against Punjab Kings.

Domestic Success

In addition to his exploits in the IPL, Samson has enjoyed success in domestic cricket, representing Kerala in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments. His impressive performances, including a double hundred in his first-class debut and a record-breaking 212 not out in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, have solidified his reputation as one of the most talented cricketers in the country.

International Career

While Samson’s impact on the IPL stage has been undeniable, his journey in international cricket has been marked by sporadic opportunities. He made his T20I debut for India in 2015 but had to wait four and a half years for his next appearance in the format. Similarly, his ODI debut came in 2021, followed by intermittent opportunities in the national team.

Career Stats and Records

Samson’s career statistics reflect his prowess with the bat:

• ODIs: In 16 ODIs, he has scored 510 runs at an impressive average of 56.66, including one century and three fifties.
• T20Is: With 374 runs in 25 T20I matches at a strike rate of 133.09, Samson has showcased his ability to score quick runs in the shortest format of the game.
• First-Class Cricket: In 62 matches, he has scored 3623 runs at an average of 38.54, including ten centuries and sixteen fifties.
• List A Cricket: With 3487 runs in 128 matches at a respectable average of 33.85, Samson has been a consistent performer in the limited-overs format.

At 29 years of age, Sanju Samson’s best years are still ahead of him. With his talent, determination, and experience, he is poised to make significant contributions to Indian cricket across all formats. As he continues to evolve as a player and leader, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing more memorable performances from this IPL sensation on both the domestic and international stages.