 "Sanju Samson Biography")
Sanju Viswanath Samson, born on November 11, 1994, in Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, is a prominent Indian cricketer known for his exceptional batting skills and wicket-keeping prowess. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Samson bats right-handed and occasionally bowls right-arm off-spin. He has been a significant figure in Indian cricket, representing the national team and leading the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Sanju Samson Stats at a Glance
| Parameters | Detail |
| Full Name | Sanju Viswanath Samson |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| School | Rosary Senior Secondary School, New Delhi; St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Kerala |
| College/University | Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife’s Name | Charulatha Remesh |
| International Debut | ODI: July 23, 2021, vs. Sri Lanka; T20I: July 19, 2015, vs. Zimbabwe |
| Jersey Number | #9 (India), #11 (Rajasthan Royals) |
| Domestic Team | Kerala |
| Coach | Biju George |
| Records | Youngest wicketkeeper to score 2,000 runs in IPL; Fastest double century in List A cricket |
| Favorite Shot | Pull Shot |
| Awards | IPL Best Young Player Award (2013); KRLCC Sports Award (2014) |
| Car Collection | Range Rover Sport, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 5 Series |
| Bike Collection | Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 |
| Salary | IPL: ₹14 crores (as of 2024); BCCI: ₹1 crore (Grade C contract, 2023-24) |
| Favorite Cricketer | MS Dhoni, Brian Lara, AB de Villiers |
Early Life
Sanju Samson’s early years were spent in a police residential colony in Delhi, where his father, Samson Viswanath, served as a police constable. His mother, Lijy Viswanath, is a homemaker, and he has an elder brother, Saly Samson, who is also a cricketer and works in the Accountant General’s office. Sanju’s father was a former footballer, playing as a centre-forward for the Delhi Police team, which influenced Sanju’s initial interest in sports.
In 2006, after Sanju was not selected for the Delhi U-13 team, his family relocated to Kerala to provide better opportunities for his cricketing career. His father resigned from his job to support Sanju’s aspirations. Sanju captained the Kerala U-13 team in the KSCA Inter-State tournament in 2007, amassing 973 runs with an average of 108.11, including four centuries in five matches. He was named Player of the Tournament.
Youth and Domestic Career
Sanju made his T20 debut for Kerala on October 16, 2011, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. At 14, he was the youngest player selected for Kerala’s Ranji Trophy team. His consistent domestic cricket performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, and the Kolkata Knight Riders selected him in 2012, though he didn’t play that season.
In 2013, he joined the Rajasthan Royals, making a significant impact by scoring 206 runs in 10 matches, earning the IPL Best Young Player Award. He continued to excel in domestic cricket, becoming the youngest wicketkeeper to score 2,000 runs in the IPL and recording the fastest double century in List A cricket.
International Career
Sanju made his T20 International debut for India on July 19, 2015, against Zimbabwe in Harare. However, it wasn’t until July 23, 2021, that he made his One Day International debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Despite his undeniable talent, Sanju’s international career has seen intermittent opportunities. He has showcased brilliance in limited chances, including becoming the first Indian batter to score back-to-back hundreds in T20Is during a series against South Africa in 2024. In that series, he amassed three centuries in five matches, a testament to his explosive batting capabilities.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Sanju’s IPL journey began with the Kolkata Knight Riders, but it was with the Rajasthan Royals that he truly made his mark. He became the youngest wicketkeeper to score 2,000 runs in the IPL, highlighting his consistency and skill in the tournament. In 2024, he was appointed as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, becoming the youngest player to lead the side. Under his leadership, the team has seen significant performances, with Sanju himself achieving personal milestones, including multiple centuries and record-breaking innings.
Records Of Sanju Samson
Sanju holds several notable records:
- Youngest Wicketkeeper to Score 2,000 Runs in IPL: He achieved this milestone, showcasing his consistency and skill in the tournament.
- Fastest Double Century in List A Cricket: Sanju scored a double century in List A cricket in record time, highlighting his explosive batting capabilities.
- First IPL Captain to Score a Century on Debut: He became the first captain in IPL history to score a century in his debut match as captain.
Personal Life
Sanju married his long-time girlfriend, Charulatha Remesh, on December 22, 2018. The couple had been together since their college days at Mar Ivanios College, and their relationship is a testament to their enduring bond and mutual support.
Controversies
In the 2024 IPL season, during a match against the Delhi Capitals, Sanju was fined 30% of his match fee for breaching the code of conduct. The incident involved an on-field argument with the umpires following a controversial dismissal while he was batting on 84 runs. This episode highlighted the intense pressures and emotions inherent in competitive cricket.
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Brand Associations
Beyond cricket, Sanju has ventured into brand endorsements. He serves as the brand ambassador for ISL club Kerala Blasters FC, reflecting his passion for football. Additionally, he has been associated with various commercial brands, leveraging his cricketing fame and public image.
Future of Sanju Samson
As of 2025, Sanju continues to be a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. With his consistent performances in domestic and international cricket, he is expected to play a significant role in India’s future campaigns. His leadership in the IPL and his potential in international cricket make him a promising prospect for Indian cricket’s future.
Facts About Sanju Samson
- Rejected a Job Offer from Railways: Before making it big in cricket, Sanju Samson and his father turned down a government job offer from the Railways, which could have provided financial stability. They believed in his cricketing talent and wanted him to focus on the sport full-time.
- Youngest IPL Captain for Rajasthan Royals: Sanju became the youngest captain in Rajasthan Royals’ history when he was appointed as their leader in the 2021 IPL season at the age of 26.
- First Wicketkeeper-Batsman to Score a Double Century in Vijay Hazare Trophy: In 2019, he smashed an incredible 212 off 129 balls* for Kerala against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to score a double century in List A cricket.
- Played for Kolkata Knight Riders Before RR: While many associate him with Rajasthan Royals, Sanju was actually a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in 2012, though he didn’t get a chance to play.
- Turned Down Offers to Play for Other States: Despite receiving offers to play for more prominent cricketing states, Sanju chose to represent Kerala, his home state, staying loyal to his roots.
FAQs Related To Sanju Samson’s Life
1. What inspired Sanju Samson to become a cricketer?
Sanju was inspired by Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. His father, a former footballer, also played a significant role in encouraging him to pursue cricket.
2. Did Sanju Samson play any other sports before choosing cricket?
Yes, as a child, he played football due to his father’s influence but later shifted focus entirely to cricket.
3. How did Sanju get his first cricket bat?
Sanju’s first professional cricket bat was gifted to him by his father, who believed in his talent from a young age.
4. Which was Sanju Samson’s first major domestic cricket tournament?
His first major domestic tournament was the KSCA Inter-State U-13 tournament in 2007, where he was the highest run-scorer.
5. How did Sanju Samson’s performance in Ranji Trophy impact his career?
His Ranji Trophy debut in 2011 for Kerala showcased his batting skills, making him a prominent name in Indian domestic cricket.
6. What was Sanju Samson’s highest individual score in T20 cricket?
His highest score in T20 cricket is 119 off 63 balls, achieved in the IPL while playing for Rajasthan Royals.
7. Has Sanju Samson captained India in any international matches?
No, he has not captained India in international cricket, but he has led the Rajasthan Royals in IPL.
8. Who was Sanju Samson’s cricket idol growing up?
He admired MS Dhoni for his finishing abilities and leadership skills.
9. Did Sanju Samson face any injuries that affected his career?
Yes, he suffered a hamstring injury in 2017, which kept him out of domestic and IPL matches for a brief period.
10. Has Sanju Samson played in any overseas cricket leagues?
No, he has not played in any overseas franchise leagues like the Big Bash League or The Hundred.
11. What was the first international match in which Sanju Samson scored a half-century?
His first international half-century came against West Indies in 2022 in an ODI match.
12. What is Sanju Samson’s batting strike rate in T20Is?
His T20I strike rate is around 135-145, reflecting his aggressive playing style.
13. Has Sanju Samson ever played as a specialist batsman without wicketkeeping?
Yes, in certain IPL and domestic matches, he has played purely as a batsman while other players took the wicketkeeping duties.
14. Did Sanju Samson ever face disciplinary action in his career?
Apart from the 2024 IPL fine for a code of conduct breach, he has maintained a clean disciplinary record.
15. What is Sanju Samson’s approach to handling pressure in crucial matches?
He follows MS Dhoni’s calm approach and often credits mental strength for his performance in high-pressure games.
16. Which was Sanju Samson’s most memorable IPL match?
His century (119 off 63 balls) against Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 as Rajasthan Royals’ captain is one of his most memorable performances.
17. How does Sanju Samson train for his power-hitting ability?
He follows a combination of strength training, core workouts, and extensive net practice focusing on big shots.
18. Has Sanju Samson won any Man of the Series awards in international cricket?
As of now, he hasn’t won a Man of the Series award in international cricket but has received several Man of the Match awards.
19. What are Sanju Samson’s off-field interests?
Apart from cricket, he enjoys playing football, spending time with family, and endorsing sports-related brands.
20. What is Sanju Samson’s long-term goal in cricket?
He aspires to establish himself as a regular player in the Indian squad across all formats and lead India in the future.
