Sanju Samson (full name: Sanju Viswanath Samson; born 11 November 1994) is an Indian international cricketer who plays as a wicketkeeper-batsman. He is known for his right-handed batting style and part-time wicketkeeping role. Samson represents India in limited-overs formats and plays domestic cricket for Kerala, while captaining the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
He made his international debut in 2015 and has since been part of India’s white-ball setup intermittently. Samson is regarded as a technically sound top-order batsman with the ability to score quickly in T20 cricket.
Career Highlights
| Achievement | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | 1994 | Sanju Viswanath Samson |
| Born | 1994 | 11 November 1994 |
| Birthplace | 1994 | Pulluvila, Kerala, India |
| Role | — | Wicketkeeper-batsman |
| Batting Style | — | Right-handed |
| ODI Debut | 2021 | Debuted vs Sri Lanka |
| T20I Debut | 2015 | Debuted vs Zimbabwe |
| T20I Century | 2023 | Scored maiden T20I hundred vs South Africa |
| IPL Team | 2013–Present | Rajasthan Royals (Captain) |
| Captaincy | 2021–Present | Leading Rajasthan Royals in IPL |
| Notable Record | — | One of the youngest IPL players to debut |
| Jersey Number | — | 11 |
Sanju Samson is considered one of the prominent wicketkeeper-batsmen from India in the T20 format. His career has been marked by strong performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, which led to multiple opportunities in the Indian national team. Despite inconsistency at the international level, he remains a key figure in India’s T20 pool due to his ability to score at a high strike rate. As captain of Rajasthan Royals, Samson has contributed both as a leader and a top-order batsman, playing a role in the team’s competitive performances in recent IPL seasons.
Early Life and Background
Sanju Samson was born in Pulluvila, a coastal village in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. His father, Viswanath Samson, was a police constable and a former football player, while his mother, Ligy Samson, is a homemaker.
He completed his schooling at Rosary Senior Secondary School in Delhi and later moved back to Kerala. Samson began playing cricket at a young age and trained under local coaches in Kerala. His early cricketing development was supported by his father, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue the sport professionally.
Samson represented Kerala in age-group cricket, including Under-13 and Under-19 levels. His performances in junior cricket led to his selection in the India Under-19 team.
Domestic Career
Sanju Samson made his first-class debut for Kerala in the 2011–12 Ranji Trophy season. He quickly established himself as a regular member of the team.
In domestic cricket, Samson has:
- Scored multiple centuries in the Ranji Trophy
- Served as captain of the Kerala team
- Maintained consistent performances in Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
His breakthrough domestic season came when he scored heavily in Ranji Trophy matches, including double centuries. According to domestic records, he has been one of Kerala’s leading run-scorers across formats.
International Career
Test Career
Sanju Samson has not made his debut in Test cricket as of recent records.
ODI Career
Samson made his One Day International debut in 2021 against Sri Lanka. He has played as a middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper.
Key points:
- Known for aggressive stroke play
- Has contributed useful runs in middle-order positions
- Yet to establish a permanent place in the ODI squad
T20I Career
Samson made his T20 International debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe.
In T20Is:
- Plays as a top-order batsman
- Known for high strike rate
- Scored his maiden T20I century in 2023
He has been part of India’s T20 squads across multiple series, though his selection has been intermittent.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Sanju Samson made his IPL debut in 2013 with Rajasthan Royals. He was one of the youngest players to feature in the tournament.
Key IPL Details:
- Teams: Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rajasthan Royals
- Captain of Rajasthan Royals since 2021
He won the Emerging Player Award in IPL 2013.
Samson has consistently been among the leading run-scorers for Rajasthan Royals. His performances include multiple centuries and high-impact innings.
As captain, he led Rajasthan Royals to the IPL final in 2022.
Playing Style
Sanju Samson is a right-handed batsman known for his stroke play.
Batting Technique:
- Strong off-side play
- Effective against pace and spin
- Plays lofted shots with ease
Strengths:
- High strike rate in T20 cricket
- Ability to dominate bowlers
- Versatility in batting positions
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistency in international cricket
- Shot selection under pressure
He is often compared to other Indian wicketkeeper-batsmen, though his style is considered more aggressive.
Records and Achievements
- Youngest player to score a half-century in IPL (at the time of record)
- IPL Emerging Player Award (2013)
- Multiple IPL centuries
- Century in T20 International cricket
- Captain of Rajasthan Royals
- Consistent domestic cricket performer for Kerala
Personal Life
Sanju Samson is married to Charulatha Samson. The couple got married in 2018.
He maintains a relatively private personal life. Samson is known to have interests in football and fitness. He is also involved in mentoring young cricketers in Kerala.
Awards and Honours
- IPL Emerging Player Award – 2013
- Domestic cricket recognitions in Kerala
- Multiple Player of the Match awards in IPL
