Category | Details |
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Full Name | Sanju Viswanath Samson |
Born | November 11, 1994 |
Birth Place | Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
Bowling Style | Right-arm off-break |
Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
Career Information |
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Teams |
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Sanju Samson is making waves in Indian cricket. A right-handed wicket-keeper batsman from Kerala, Samson’s explosive batting and impressive performances have captured the attention of fans nationwide.
His journey from Kerala to the national stage is a tale of hard work and determination. He began playing cricket at a young age, showing a natural talent for the sport.
Sanju Samson’s rise from Kerala to international cricket is a story of talent and perseverance.
Sanju Samson: A Prodigy in the Making
Born on November 11, 1994, in Pulluvila, Kerala, Sanju comes from a Malayali Christian family. His father, a police constable, moved the family to Kerala to support Samson’s cricket career. From a young age, he showed great talent, captaining Kerala’s U-13 and U-16 teams.
Youth Career and Impressive Performances
Samson’s career gained momentum when he joined the India U-19 team. He represented India in the 2012 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup and the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he served as vice-captain.
His impressive performances as a wicketkeeper-batsman established him as a promising young talent in Indian cricket.
Highlight: Sanju Samson’s early success at the junior level paved the way for his domestic cricket debut with Kerala in 2011.
Domestic Career Milestones
Sanju Samson’s journey in domestic cricket is impressive. He debuted for Kerala in the 2011-12 Ranji Trophy and quickly became a standout player for his team.
In the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored an unbeaten 212, setting a record as the highest individual score in the tournament’s history at the time. This remarkable performance earned him a spot on the national team for the Bangladesh series.
Tournament | Season | Runs Scored | Batting Average |
---|---|---|---|
Ranji Trophy | 2013-14 | 613 | 47.15 |
Ranji Trophy | 2017-18 | 614 | 51.16 |
Vijay Hazare Trophy | 2019-20 | 212* | – |
Highlight: Samson’s achievements in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy underscore his consistency and adaptability across formats.
The IPL Sensation: Rajasthan Royals’ Mainstay
Sanju Samson joined the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2013, being picked by the Rajasthan Royals at the age of 18. He briefly played for the Delhi Daredevils in 2016-2017 but returned to the Royals, where he has become one of the team’s top scorers and a key player.
In 2021, he was appointed the captain of Rajasthan Royals, leading the team with energy and determination. Under his leadership, the Royals have become a stronger force in the IPL.
Player | Runs Scored | Strike Rate | Age |
---|---|---|---|
Karun Nair | 330 | 142.24 | 30 |
KC Cariappa | – | – | 27 |
Leading Rajasthan Royals
Since becoming captain in 2021, Samson has led the Royals with skill and strategy. His leadership contributed to the team’s improved performances, including reaching the IPL finals under his captaincy.
International Debut and Performances
Sanju Samson, a talented Indian wicket-keeper batsman, made his debut for the Indian cricket team in a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2015 and his ODI debut in 2021, scoring a half-century against Sri Lanka. His solid performances in both formats have cemented his position as a valuable asset to India’s white-ball teams.
Format | Matches | Runs Scored | High Score | Average | Strike Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
T20I | 27 | 594 | 91* | 24.75 | 138.58 |
ODI | 16 | 510 | 86 | 34.00 | 99.22 |
Highlight: By December 2023, Samson had played 16 ODIs and 27 T20Is, showcasing his ability as a versatile player in the Indian cricket team.
Leadership Roles and Captaincy
Samson has demonstrated impressive leadership skills throughout his career. At 20, he became the youngest captain of Kerala’s cricket team in the Ranji Trophy, leading Kerala to the quarterfinals for the first time. In 2021, he took on the captaincy of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, leading the team to the finals in his first season.
Leading Rajasthan Royals
As captain, Samson has guided the Royals with strategy and resilience, helping the team secure crucial victories. His leadership has earned him the trust of the franchise and the admiration of fans.
Awards and Accolades
Sanju Samson has earned several accolades for his performances. In 2013, he was named the IPL’s Best Young Player for his impressive debut with the Rajasthan Royals. His record-breaking 212 not out in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy brought him national recognition and a place on the Indian team.
Year | Award | Achievement |
---|---|---|
2013 | IPL’s Best Young Player | Scored 206 runs and took 13 catches for Rajasthan Royals |
2014 | KRLCC Sports Award | Recognized for contributions to Kerala cricket |
2019-20 | Vijay Hazare Trophy | Scored a record-breaking 212 not out |
Sanju Samson: A Statistical Overview
Sanju Samson’s stats highlight his talent and potential across multiple formats. From his early success in domestic cricket to his rise in the IPL and international stage, his numbers tell the story of a dedicated player.
Format | Runs | Average | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Catches | Stumpings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
First-Class | 3,446 | 38.71 | 10 | 15 | 79 | 7 |
IPL | 6,190 | 28.39 | 3 | 40 | 129 | 28 |
ODI | 510 | – | 1 | 3 | – | – |
T20I | 594 | – | 0 | 4 | – | – |
Highlight: Sanju Samson’s journey showcases his talent, resilience, and promise as he continues to shine on domestic, IPL, and international stages.
Personal Life and Off-Field Interests
Sanju Samson’s life is more than just cricket. He enjoys reading, playing football with friends, and exploring new places. These hobbies play an essential role in his free time and provide him with a balance outside of his cricketing career.
In 2018, Samson married Charulatha Remesh. Together, they support social causes and engage in charitable initiatives. Despite a busy cricketing schedule, he values family and strives to maintain a balance between his personal and professional life.
Personal Life and Interests | Details |
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Reading | Samson is an avid reader, finding joy in books during his downtime. |
Football | Samson has a strong passion for football and often plays it with friends. |
Traveling | He enjoys traveling to new destinations and sharing his experiences on social media. |
Community Involvement | Samson and his wife Charulatha are actively involved in social and charitable initiatives. |
Highlight: Sanju Samson’s life off the field is balanced with hobbies, family commitments, and community involvement, showing his diverse personality beyond cricket.
Sanju Samson: A Promising Future Ahead
At just 29, Sanju Samson has already made a significant impact on Indian cricket. With his strong domestic career and standout performances in the IPL, his skills in batting and wicket-keeping make him a valuable player for both the Rajasthan Royals and India.
As he gains more international experience, Samson aims to secure a regular spot in the Indian team. With high-profile tournaments like the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup on the horizon, he has the perfect stage to prove himself and make an impact at the international level.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite facing challenges, Sanju Samson remains grateful for every opportunity. His journey has been marked by hard work and resilience, which is evident in his performances both on the domestic and international stages.
Highlight: Samson’s continued growth and dedication make him one to watch in Indian cricket, as he aims to represent India at major global tournaments.
FAQ’s
Who is Sanju Samson?
Sanju Viswanath Samson is an Indian cricketer known for his explosive batting and skills as a right-handed wicket-keeper batsman. He captains the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and leads Kerala in domestic cricket.
When did Sanju Samson make his international debut?
Sanju Samson made his international debut for India in a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2015. He has since represented India in both T20I and ODI formats.
What are Sanju Samson’s notable achievements?
Samson has been a standout player in both domestic and international formats. He was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad and is known for his high scores and consistency in the IPL.
How did Sanju Samson’s cricketing journey begin?
Samson started his cricketing journey by captaining Kerala’s U-13 and U-16 teams. He later played for India U-19, including in the 2012 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup and the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
How has Sanju Samson performed in domestic cricket?
Sanju Samson made his first-class debut for Kerala in the 2011-12 season and has since become a key player. His double century in the Vijay Merchant Trophy and strong performances in the Ranji Trophy have established him as a top domestic talent.
What is Sanju Samson’s IPL journey?
Sanju Samson joined the IPL in 2013 with the Rajasthan Royals. After a short stint with Delhi Daredevils, he returned to the Royals and is now one of the top players and current captain of the team.
How has Sanju Samson performed for the Indian national team?
Samson made his ODI debut in 2021 and has since played consistently in India’s white-ball teams, with notable performances in both batting and wicket-keeping.
What are Sanju Samson’s key statistics across formats?
In first-class cricket, Samson has scored over 3,400 runs with an average of 38.71, including 10 centuries. In the IPL, he has scored more than 6,000 runs. For India, he has 510 runs in ODIs and 594 runs in T20Is.
What leadership roles has Sanju Samson held?
Sanju Samson became Kerala’s youngest captain in 2015 and was named the Rajasthan Royals captain in 2021, a role he still holds.
What awards and accolades has Sanju Samson received?
Sanju Samson was awarded the IPL’s Best Young Player in 2013 and the KRLCC Sports award in 2014. His record-breaking double century in the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy earned him a call-up to the Indian national team.
This article was authored with insights from Patrick Justin McAfee, a sports analyst with extensive experience in cricket analysis, and reviewed by Pat McAfee, renowned sports writer at thebetindia.com. For more expert cricket insights, visit his Wikipedia page.