Sanju Samson — Biography, Career, Records, Latest News & Updates
Few modern Indian cricketers have combined elegance, calmness, and explosive power like Sanju Samson. From the coastal lanes of Kerala to captaining the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Sanju’s rise has been marked by perseverance, class, and quiet leadership. A natural stroke-maker with an eye for innovation, he’s one of the most gifted wicket-keeper batters India has produced in the past decade.
Early Life & Background
Full Name: Sanju Viswanath Samson
Born: 11 November 1994
Birthplace: Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Sanju Samson was born into a humble Malayali family. His father, Samson Viswanath, was a Delhi Police constable and a former footballer who represented Delhi in the Santosh Trophy. His mother, Ligy Samson, is a homemaker.
Sanju spent part of his childhood in Delhi, where his father was posted, and later moved back to Kerala to focus on cricket. Trained at the Thiruvananthapuram Cricket Academy, he quickly became one of Kerala’s brightest prospects. His dedication and natural timing made him a standout performer at a very young age.
Domestic Cricket & Rise
Sanju captained Kerala at the Under-13, Under-16, and Under-19 levels. His breakout moment came during the 2013 Ranji Trophy season, where he became the youngest player to score a century for Kerala.
He also impressed for India U-19, finishing among the top scorers in the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup. His fluent stroke play and elegant drives earned comparisons to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma.
By 20, Samson had become Kerala’s Ranji captain — the youngest ever to lead the team. Under his captaincy, Kerala reached the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals for the first time in their history (2017-18 season).
International Debut & Impact
- T20I Debut: 19 July 2015 vs Zimbabwe
- ODI Debut: 23 July 2021 vs Sri Lanka
Sanju’s international career has been a story of talent meeting opportunity in bursts. Despite limited chances, he has shown his class whenever called upon.
While competition for the wicket-keeper spot has been fierce, Sanju’s calm temperament and refined shot selection keep him firmly in India’s plans for major tournaments.
- His maiden ODI fifty came in 2022 against West Indies, followed by consistent runs in the middle order.
- In T20Is, Samson’s versatility — as a top-order aggressor or a finisher — has given India flexibility.
- Known for his ability to accelerate without slogging, his strike-rate remains one of the best among Indian wicket-keeper batters.
IPL Career
Sanju Samson’s IPL story is central to his rise as a modern-day cricketing icon
- Debut: 2013 (Rajasthan Royals)
- Teams: Rajasthan Royals (2013–2015, 2018–present), Delhi Daredevils (2016–2017)
- Captaincy: Rajasthan Royals (2021–present)
Sanju’s clean hitting and composure quickly made him a fan favorite. In IPL 2022, he led Rajasthan Royals to the final — their first in 14 years — showcasing strong leadership and tactical maturity.
Playing Style & Skills
- Batting: Right-handed top/middle-order batsman
- Wicket-keeping: Agile, quick reflexes, reliable glove work
- Signature shots: Lofted drives over extra cover, flick over mid-wicket, inside-out six
Personal Life
- He married his long-time girlfriend, Charulatha Remesh, on 22 December 2018 in a private ceremony at Kovalam. Crictoday+1
- He remains connected to his Kerala roots even as his cricketing career has taken him to many places.
Key Stats & Achievements
- ODI Runs: 500+ | Wickets: 0
- T20I Runs: 700+ | Wickets: 0
- IPL Runs: 4,000+ | Wickets: 0
- Youngest IPL player to score 50+ in playoffs (2013)
- Captained RR to IPL 2022 Final
- Led Kerala to Ranji Trophy quarter-finals (2018)
Latest News & Updates
As of 2025, Sanju Samson remains captain of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and continues to push for a regular place in India’s white-ball teams.
His performances in the 2024-25 domestic season and the Asia Cup 2025 have drawn praise for consistency and maturity. Sanju’s leadership in the IPL has been lauded for blending young Indian talent with international stars.
Legacy & Impact
From the sandy beaches of Kerala to the biggest stages of world cricket, Sanju Samson’s journey is one of talent refined through perseverance. He represents the new age of Indian cricket — calm yet competitive, humble yet ambitious.
Sanju’s success has inspired a new generation of cricketers from Kerala, proving that great talent can come from anywhere if nurtured with dedication and belief.