Sanju Viswanath Samson, born on November 11, 1994, in Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, is a prominent figure in Indian cricket. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches, this right-handed wicket-keeper-batsman has made significant contributions to both domestic and international cricket. He captains the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and leads Kerala in domestic cricket. His journey from a cricket-loving child in Kerala to an international cricket star is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and dedication.
Sanju was born into a Latin Catholic Malayali family. His father, Viswanath Samson, was a former football player who represented Delhi in the Santosh Trophy, and his mother, Ligy Viswanath, is a homemaker. Sanju also has an elder brother, Saly Samson. The family's sporting background provided a nurturing environment for Sanju's budding cricketing talents.
Sanju's early education took place at Rosary Senior Secondary School in Delhi, where he began showcasing his cricketing prowess. Later, the family moved to Kerala, and Sanju continued his education at St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram. He furthered his studies at Mar Ivanios College. Throughout his academic journey, Sanju balanced his studies with his passion for cricket, often participating in local tournaments and matches.
Sanju's cricketing journey began in Delhi, where he captained the U-13 and U-16 teams. His exceptional performances caught the attention of selectors, and he soon found himself representing Kerala in various age-group tournaments. In 2011, at the age of 17, Sanju made his first-class debut for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. His debut season was impressive, and he quickly established himself as a key player for the team.
In the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season, Sanju's batting prowess was on full display as he amassed 530 runs, making him the top run-scorer for Kerala that season. His consistent performances in domestic cricket paved the way for opportunities in the IPL and eventually the national team.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Sanju's IPL journey began in 2013 when he was signed by the Rajasthan Royals. He made an immediate impact, scoring 206 runs in 10 matches that season and earning the Emerging Player of the Year award. His ability to play under pressure and his flair for stroke-making made him a fan favorite.
Over the years, Sanju has been a consistent performer in the IPL. In 2017, playing for the Delhi Daredevils, he scored his maiden IPL century against the Rising Pune Supergiant. He returned to the Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and continued to be a pivotal player for the franchise. In 2021, he was appointed as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, becoming one of the youngest captains in IPL history.
Under his leadership, the team has seen a blend of experienced players and young talents, with Sanju often leading from the front with his batting performances. His leadership style has been praised for its calmness and strategic acumen.
Sanju's international debut came in a T20I match against Zimbabwe on July 19, 2015. However, it wasn't until 2021 that he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka. His international career has been marked by sporadic opportunities, but he has made the most of them.
In 2024, Sanju etched his name in the record books by becoming the first Indian wicket-keeper to score a century in a T20 international. He also became the only player to score three centuries in T20 internationals in a calendar year, highlighting his exceptional form and adaptability in the shortest format of the game.
On December 21, 2023, Sanju scored his maiden ODI century against South Africa, further cementing his place in the national team. His performances have been instrumental in India's successes, and he was a part of the Indian squad that clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Sanju is renowned for his elegant stroke play and his ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate. His proficiency against both pace and spin makes him a versatile batsman suitable for all formats of the game. As a wicket-keeper, he is agile and has sharp reflexes, contributing significantly behind the stumps.
His calm demeanor on the field, combined with his aggressive batting style, has drawn comparisons to some of the greats of the game. His ability to perform under pressure and his knack for playing match-winning innings have made him an invaluable asset to any team he represents.
Off the field, Sanju is known for his humility and grounded nature. In 2018, he married his long-time girlfriend, Charulatha, in a private ceremony attended by close friends and family. The couple has been supportive of each other's careers, with Charulatha often seen cheering for Sanju during matches.
Sanju is also involved in various philanthropic activities. He has been associated with initiatives aimed at promoting sports among underprivileged children and has often spoken about the importance of education and sports in shaping the youth.
Youngest IPL Half-Centurion: Sanju became the youngest player to score a half-century in the IPL during the 2013 season.
Fastest Double Century in List A Cricket: In the 2019-20 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he scored an unbeaten 212, marking the
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