Sanju Samson: A Dynamic IPL Superstar

Sanju Samson has emerged as one of India’s premier cricketers, known for his explosive batting and leadership qualities, particularly in the IPL. A mainstay for Rajasthan Royals (RR), he has amassed over 3000 IPL runs in his first eight seasons. Samson’s journey from a young talent in Kerala to an IPL stalwart is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Early Life and Cricketing Journey

Sanju Samson was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He moved there as a child after his father, a police constable, relocated for work. Samson began taking cricket lessons in Delhi before making waves on the junior circuit. His impressive technique and ability to time the ball crisply stood out from a young age.

He joined the Under-19 India team for the 2011 Asia Cup. However, he didn’t perform as expected, which led to his exclusion from the U-19 World Cup the following year. Despite these early setbacks, his potential remained undeniable.

Rise in IPL and Leadership

In 2013, Rajasthan Royals picked up Sanju Samson at the IPL auction. At just 18 years old, he became an essential part of the squad. His aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills quickly caught the attention of cricket fans. Over the years, he has grown into a reliable player for RR.

In 2021, Samson was appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals. Under his leadership, RR showed great promise, finishing second in the 2022 season. Samson’s batting that year was spectacular, with 484 runs, including a stunning 119 off 63 balls in the season opener against Punjab Kings.

Domestic Success and Record-Breaking Performances

Beyond the IPL, Samson has proven his worth in domestic cricket. He made his debut for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy in 2011-12, impressing with both bat and gloves. In the 2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he made history with a record-breaking 212* against Goa, showcasing his exceptional skills.

International Career

Sanju Samson made his debut for the India T20 team in 2015 and later played his first ODI in 2021. While his international appearances have been limited, he continues to shine in domestic cricket, especially in the IPL.

Sanju Samson IPL Factfile

• Captain of Rajasthan Royals and their highest run-scorer with 3934 runs before IPL 2025.
• Winner of the Best Young Player of the Season award in 2013 at the age of 19.
• Has scored three IPL centuries and led RR to the IPL final in 2022, where they finished as runners-up.
• Retained by Rajasthan Royals for INR 18 crore ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Conclusion

Samson’s remarkable consistency, leadership, and attacking batting style have made him a key player for both Rajasthan Royals and India. With his explosive performances and continued excellence, he remains one of the brightest stars in Indian cricket.