Full Name: Sanju Viswanath Samson
Nickname: Sanju
Date of Birth: November 11, 1994
Age: 30 years (as of April 2025)
Place of Birth: Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Kerala, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Christianity
Profession: Professional Cricketer
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off break
Role in Team: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
Net Worth: Estimated ₹80–100 crore INR (approx. $10–12 million USD)
Early Life and Background
On November 11, 1994, Sanju Samson was born in the Keralan seaside town of Pulluvila. Sanju was encouraged to pursue sports at an early age by his father, Viswanath Samson, who was a former police football player who played for Delhi Police. After returning to Kerala, where he began to take cricket seriously, he first trained in Delhi.
After attending Delhi’s Rosary Senior Secondary School, he went on to Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram. Saly Samson, his brother, was a youth cricket player as well. Early on, Sanju’s aptitude for cricket was apparent, and he advanced through Kerala’s juvenile teams before making his Ranji Trophy debut at the age of 17.
Domestic Career
Sanju created a reputation for himself as a flashy wicketkeeper-batsman early in his local career with Kerala. Nationwide attention was paid to his Ranji Trophy exploits, particularly his first double century in the 2013–14 season. In Ranji history, he was the youngest captain of Kerala in the 2015–16 campaign.
He often scored runs against elite opponents while playing for India A on several trips. He was a star player in India’s domestic system because of his skill, grace, and effortless ability to play both pace and spin.
IPL & T20 Franchise Career
In 2013, Sanju began playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League. In his first season, he earned the Emerging Player of the Season title and made an immediate impression. He played for the Delhi Daredevils from 2016 to 2017 before rejoining the Rajasthan Royals, where he has established himself as a key member and captain.
He is regarded as one of the league’s most fashionable and cleanest hitters and has amassed several hundreds in the IPL. He has amassed more over 3,500 IPL runs as of 2025, with a strike rate of more than 135. His guidance has contributed to the development of a youthful and vibrant RR side.
International Career
On July 19, 2015, Sanju Samson made his India T20I debut against Zimbabwe. On July 23, 2021, he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. Despite his early lack of consistency, he finally gained a regular berth because to his performance in both domestic and IPL cricket.
He shown his ability to play well under duress when he earned his first ODI century against South Africa in December 2023. He broke milestones by being the only Indian to score three T20I hundreds in a single year in 2024, and he was the first Indian wicketkeeper to hit a century in the format.
He is a great asset in India’s white-ball system because of his skill set, versatility, and aggressive batting.
Playing Style
Sanju Samson is respected for his elegant stroke play, especially his crisp striking and lofted drives. He is quick, nimble, and dependable behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper. He’s equally comfortable against pace and spin and often takes the attack to the bowlers early in the innings.
He is currently considered to be one of India’s most potential finishers in limited-overs games because of his considerable improvement in temperament over the years.
Personal Life
He is currently considered to be one of India’s most potential finishers in limited-overs games because of his considerable improvement in temperament over the years.
In order to encourage grassroots sports, particularly football and cricket, Sanju also established the Six Guns Sports Academy in Kerala in 2018. He gives back to the community that fostered his skill and is actively involved in youth development.
He demonstrated his expanding impact outside of cricket in 2021 when he was named an electoral icon for the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The cricket career of Sanju Samson is one of skill, perseverance, and development. He has made a name for himself, especially in the shorter forms, despite the fierce competition for slots in India’s starting XI. His status as one of India’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batsmen has been cemented by his record-breaking performances in 2024.
Sanju’s maturity and leadership continue to develop as the captain of the Rajasthan Royals and a consistent member of India’s T20 and ODI teams. He is anticipated to be an important part of India’s championship ambitions as the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup approach.
His legacy is emerging as that of a modern cricket player—bright, unafraid, and deeply moral.
