India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad has thrown up one major talking point—Sanju Samson’s role in the playing XI after Shubman Gill was handed the
Sanju Samson
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Just days before India’s Asia Cup squad announcement, Sanju Samson sent a clear message to the selectors with a composed half-century in a Kerala
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Sanju Samson is one of India’s most talented and stylish wicketkeeper-batters. Known for his effortless stroke play and calm temperament, Samson has carved a niche for himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket. As the captain of Rajasthan Royals and a dynamic performer in T20s and List-A cricket, Sanju continues to push for consistency and a long-term place in India’s national squad.
Quick Facts about Sanju Samson
- Full Name: Sanju Viswanath Samson
- Date of Birth: November 11, 1994
- Birthplace: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
- Teams: India, Kerala (Domestic), Rajasthan Royals (IPL), Delhi Capitals (Former)
- International Debut: 2015 (T20I), 2021 (ODI)
Early Career & Domestic Rise
Sanju Samson began his cricket journey in Kerala and was part of India’s U-19 squad. He gained early fame for his composed batting style and ability to clear the ropes with ease. His breakthrough came in the 2013 IPL season when he impressed for Rajasthan Royals with his maturity at a young age.
In domestic cricket, he has consistently performed in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophies, emerging as one of Kerala’s most dependable batters.
International Career
Sanju made his T20I debut in 2015 against Zimbabwe and his ODI debut in 2021 against Sri Lanka. Although he has not cemented a permanent spot in India’s XI, his ability to play both attacking and anchoring roles keeps him in contention, especially in white-ball formats.
His flair, footwork, and composure under pressure make him a valuable option as a backup wicketkeeper and middle-order batter.
Sanju Samson International Career Stats (As of 2025)
Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Best Score |
ODI | 16 | 510+ | 42.50 | 105+ | 86* |
T20I | 20+ | 380+ | 20+ | 135+ | 52 |
IPL Career
Sanju Samson is a mainstay in the Indian Premier League, where he leads the Rajasthan Royals (RR). He made his IPL debut in 2013 and has since delivered numerous match-winning knocks. Samson is known for his fearless batting, ability to dominate spin and pace alike, and his leadership qualities.
He has several IPL fifties and centuries to his name and consistently features among the top run-scorers for RR.
IPL Career Highlights (As of 2025)
Season | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s/100s | Best |
2020 | 14 | 375 | 28.85 | 158.9 | 3/1 | 102 |
2021 | 14 | 484 | 40.33 | 136.72 | 1/1 | 119 |
2023 | 13 | 362 | 33.00 | 140+ | 2/0 | 66 |
His century (119) against Punjab Kings in 2021 remains one of the most explosive captain’s knocks in IPL history.
Playing Style and Strengths
- Elegant stroke maker with powerful cover drives and lofted shots
- Agile and efficient wicketkeeper
- Calm under pressure with leadership qualities
- Versatile – can open, bat in the middle-order, or finish innings
Sanju is especially effective in T20 cricket where he can accelerate from ball one and dismantle bowling attacks with ease.
Leadership and Impact
Since taking over the captaincy of Rajasthan Royals, Sanju has brought stability and vision to the franchise. His tactical decisions and backing of young Indian players have earned him praise across the cricketing world. Under his leadership, RR reached the IPL 2022 final, showcasing his growing maturity as a leader.
Achievements & Notable Records
- Youngest player to score 1,000 IPL runs
- Multiple centuries in IPL
- Led RR to IPL 2022 final
- Consistent performer in domestic white-ball cricket
- First player from Kerala to captain an IPL franchise
Latest News and Updates on Sanju Samson
Stay updated with the latest Sanju Samson news, match performances, IPL highlights, interviews, and international call-ups on TheCricketScores.com. From skipper’s knocks to behind-the-stumps brilliance, follow his journey with live stats and exclusive insights.