Sanju Samson, born on November 11, 1994, in Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Trivandrum, exhibited his cricketing talents early on. He began his journey as a cricket captain for the Kerala under-13 team, smashing a century in his debut match. His exceptional performance continued with four centuries in five matches during the South Zone under-13 tournament. Progressing through the ranks, he also led the under-16 and under-19 teams for Kerala Cricket State. Sanju Samson biography. Sanju Samson Biography
In 2010, Samson’s prowess shone as he achieved a double century while representing Kerala against Goa in the under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy South Zone. Eventually, he caught the attention of Rajasthan Royals, who signed him when he was relatively young. Notably, during his 12th board exams, he managed to juggle his commitments with Rajasthan Royals’ pre-season training camp. His dedication to education was evident as he balanced his academic responsibilities with cricket training, even landing in Thiruvananthapuram, writing exams, and returning to the airport.
Sanju Samson’s cricketing journey encountered ups and downs. He made his way into the under-19 Asia Cup squad in 2012 due to his impressive performances with the Kerala under-19 team. Although his performances in the tournament were subpar, he rebounded the next year in the ACC Cup held in UAE. In the final, he scored a century as India triumphed over Pakistan, clinching the championship.
At 28 years old, Samson’s career continues, with his role as a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, and he is married to Charulatha Samson. Despite cricket’s relatively lower popularity in Kerala, his father’s aspiration for him to achieve cricketing greatness for the state remains a driving force. Sanju Samson biography.
Sanju Samson Cricket Career
Regarded as a rising star from Kerala, Sanju Samson stands out as a skilful wicketkeeper-batsman, displaying proficiency both with the bat and as a stumper. Making his first-class debut for Kerala against Vidarbha at the age of 17, he swiftly gained attention by notching two centuries and a fifty in just five appearances during the subsequent season. While signed by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012, he didn’t get a chance to play. However, it was with Rajasthan Royals that Samson made a significant mark in the IPL in 2013. Sanju Samson biography.
Samson’s prowess was also demonstrated on the international stage, representing India in the 2012 Under-19 World Cup in the UAE. Despite India not making it to the semi-finals, he emerged as the highest run-scorer for India and ranked 6th in the overall tournament, having hit three fifties. Sanju Samson biography.
The guidance of Rahul Dravid, who mentored the Royals in IPL-7, highlighted Samson’s potential, predicting his future success for India. Consistent IPL performances earned Samson a spot in the Indian team for the Zimbabwe tour in 2015. His first appearance for India in a T20 game yielded a score of 19.
Under Dravid’s coaching again, this time with Delhi Daredevils, Samson’s selection in the 2016 IPL auctions paid off as he became the third-highest run-scorer for the team. His contributions to India A tour of Australia were crucial in securing a victory in the quadrangular series. At one point, he was even seen as a successor to MS Dhoni as India’s wicketkeeper.
However, despite his natural talent, Samson’s cricket journey didn’t ascend as expected. While his stroke-making ability impressed, his mental composure remained somewhat inexperienced despite his domestic experience. Rectifying this aspect is crucial for his aspirations of thriving as an international cricketer, especially considering the competition posed by the explosive Rishabh Pant.
IPL-wise, Samson started with Kolkata Knight Riders but truly flourished during his tenure with Rajasthan Royals from 2013 to 2015. He contributed significantly to the team’s batting lineup, displaying both stability and dynamic strokeplay. However, his inconsistency over the years prevented him from securing a breakthrough season, despite glimpses of brilliance. Samson’s focus on batting rather than glovework affected his progress, leading to a decline in his ranking among India’s wicketkeeper-batsmen.
Returning to Rajasthan Royals after a stint with Delhi, Samson’s journey has been marked by flashes of brilliance but not sustained consistency. His role as the captain of the team in 2021 added value due to his domestic status, allowing overseas players to be utilized in other areas. While he remains a core player for the team, Samson is still in pursuit of a standout IPL season that could elevate his game to the next level.
Sanju Samson Family
Sanju Samson’s early life traces back to November 11, 1994, when he was born into a Latin-Catholic Malayali family in Pulluvila. His father, Samson Viswanath, a former football player and a police constable in the Delhi police, shaped his upbringing. His mother, Ligy Viswanath, managed their home, and alongside him was his brother Saly Samson. Sanju’s childhood was spent in a Delhi Police colony, and he received his education at Rosary Senior Secondary School. Under the guidance of cricket coach Yashpal, his talents began to emerge. To foster their sons’ cricket dreams, his father made the decision to take voluntary retirement from the police force. Sanju Samson biography.
Sanju’s cricket journey commenced in Delhi before he shifted to Kerala. His progress during his junior career exhibited fluctuations, showcasing moments of extraordinary prowess mixed with occasional setbacks. His entry into first-class cricket for the Kerala cricket team transpired in 2011. The year 2013 marked his debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Rajasthan Royals, where he earned recognition as the Emerging Player of the Year. His skills were also demonstrated during the 2012 Vijay Hazare Trophy, amassing a total of 212 runs and etching his name as the sixth cricketer to achieve a double century in List A cricket.
On a personal note, Sanju Samson’s full name is Sanju Viswanath Samson. He is professionally known as a cricketer. His father’s name is Samson Viswanath, and his mother is Lijy Viswanath. Sanju is married to Charulatha Samson, whom he met during their college years. Their connection began with a simple friend request on Facebook, evolving into a five-year relationship before they decided to marry in 2018. Their wedding was an intimate affair, attended by approximately 30 people.
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 Sanju Samson Achivements & Awards
Sanju Samson has marked several significant milestones throughout his career. Notably, he stands as the inaugural captain in IPL history to achieve a century during his captaincy debut, accomplishing this feat on April 12, 2021, against Punjab Kings. His remarkable performance during the 2019-20 season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy saw him hitting a double century, scoring 212 runs off 129 balls. This remarkable feat set a new record as the fastest double century by an Indian in List A cricket. It also stood as the highest individual score by a wicketkeeper in a List A match and a record-breaking performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Sanju Samson biography.
Further underscoring his prowess, Sanju emerged as the leading run-scorer for the Kerala side in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season, amassing an impressive 627 runs across seven matches. Displaying his leadership capabilities, he was entrusted with the captaincy of the Kerala Ranji team during the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season, becoming the youngest cricketer to captain a Ranji side for an entire tournament.
 successes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) also drew attention. He earned the distinction of being the second-youngest player to secure a fifty in the IPL, achieving this milestone at the age of 18 years and 169 days during a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013. Furthermore, his name was etched in history as the youngest cricketer to secure a fifty in the Champions League T20 (CLT20), achieving this feat while playing for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians on September 21, 2013.
