If you follow Indian cricket closely, chances are you’ve heard the buzz around Sanju Samson. Over the years, he’s gone from being a promising youngster to one of the most talked-about wicketkeeper-batsmen in Indian cricket. Known for his elegant stroke play, ability to clear boundaries with ease, and leadership in the IPL, Samson has carved out a career that blends flair with resilience.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into Sanju Samson’s career stats, records, and milestones—covering everything from his IPL heroics to his international performances.
Who Is Sanju Samson?
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Full Name: Sanju Samson
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Date of Birth: November 11, 1994 (Age: 30 years)
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Birthplace: Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Trivandrum, Kerala
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Role: Wicketkeeper-Batsman
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Batting Style: Right-handed
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Bowling Style: None
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Country: India
Sanju grew up in Kerala, where cricket wasn’t the most dominant sport, yet his talent was impossible to ignore. From smashing runs in age-group cricket to becoming a household name in the Indian Premier League (IPL), his journey has been nothing short of inspirational.
Sanju Samson’s International Career
T20I Career
Sanju made his T20I debut on July 19, 2015, against Zimbabwe in Harare. At the time, he was seen as the next big thing in Indian cricket, though consistency took time to follow.
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Matches: 42
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Runs: 861
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Highest Score: 111
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Average: 25.32
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Strike Rate: 152.39
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50s/100s: 2 fifties, 3 hundreds
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Fours/Sixes: 71 fours, 49 sixes
His T20I strike rate stands out—it shows just how destructive he can be when he gets going. His recent games, including his last T20I against England in February 2025 at Wankhede Stadium, suggest he’s starting to find his rhythm at the international level.
ODI Career
Sanju’s ODI debut came much later, on July 23, 2021, against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Despite limited opportunities, he’s already made a strong impression.
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Matches: 16
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Runs: 510
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Highest Score: 108
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Average: 56.67
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Strike Rate: 99.61
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50s/100s: 3 fifties, 1 hundred
That average of 56.67 tells you a lot—he’s not just stylish but also reliable in the 50-over format. His last ODI came in December 2023 against South Africa at Boland Park, where he once again showed glimpses of his potential as a middle-order stabilizer.
Test Cricket
So far, Sanju hasn’t featured in Test cricket. While many fans would love to see his fearless batting in whites, India’s current pool of red-ball specialists has kept him on the sidelines.
Sanju Samson in the IPL
When it comes to Sanju Samson’s IPL record, it’s safe to say he’s been a fan favorite since his debut.
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Matches: 176
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Runs: 4704
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Highest Score: 119
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Average: 30.75
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Strike Rate: 139.05
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50s/100s: 26 fifties, 3 hundreds
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Fours/Sixes: 379 fours, 219 sixes
From his IPL debut in 2013 against Punjab Kings to his latest outing in May 2025 against Chennai Super Kings, Samson has been one of the most consistent Indian batters in the league. His ability to anchor innings or go ballistic in the death overs makes him invaluable.
As captain of the Rajasthan Royals, he’s not just a player but also a leader, guiding young talents and making bold tactical decisions.
Sanju Samson’s Style of Play
What makes Sanju stand out is his fearless yet graceful batting style. Unlike many power hitters, Samson doesn’t just rely on brute force—his timing and placement often do the job. Whether it’s lofting spinners over long-on or smashing quick bowlers over point, he plays with a natural elegance.
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Strengths: Lofted drives, quick footwork, fearless against pace
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Weaknesses: Inconsistent shot selection at times
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Role: Primarily a middle-order stabilizer and finisher
Bowling Stats (Or the Lack Of!)
While Samson is a wicketkeeper-batsman, fans sometimes wonder if he has any bowling numbers to his name. The answer? None.
Across Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and IPL, Samson hasn’t bowled a single delivery. His role is crystal clear: bat big and keep wickets tidy.
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Career Milestones
Here are some key highlights of Sanju Samson’s career so far:
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T20I Debut: vs Zimbabwe, July 19, 2015, Harare Sports Club
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Last T20I: vs England, February 2, 2025, Wankhede Stadium
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ODI Debut: vs Sri Lanka, July 23, 2021, R. Premadasa Stadium
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Last ODI: vs South Africa, December 21, 2023, Boland Park
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IPL Debut: vs Punjab Kings, April 14, 2013, Sawai Mansingh Stadium
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Last IPL Match: vs Chennai Super Kings, May 20, 2025, Arun Jaitley Stadium
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Champions League Debut: vs Mumbai Indians, September 21, 2013
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Last Champions League Match: vs Mumbai Indians, October 6, 2013
Sanju Samson’s Impact in Indian Cricket
While some argue he hasn’t been given enough chances at the international level, Samson’s contributions can’t be ignored.
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In ODIs, his average of nearly 57 shows he’s one of the most reliable batters in limited opportunities.
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In T20Is, his strike rate of 152+ puts him among the most explosive Indian batsmen.
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In the IPL, he’s already crossed 4700 runs, making him one of the most successful wicketkeeper-batsmen in the league’s history.
Challenges and Criticism
No cricket career is complete without its share of ups and downs. For Samson, the main criticism has been his inconsistency at the international level. While he can play breathtaking knocks, he has also had lean patches where runs dried up.
Selectors, too, have been cautious with him, often preferring other wicketkeeper options. But his recent performances suggest he’s maturing into a more complete cricketer.
What Lies Ahead for Sanju Samson?
At 30, Sanju Samson is entering what many call the “golden years” for a batsman. With his experience in the IPL and growing confidence in international cricket, the next few years could define his legacy.
Fans are hoping he cements his spot in India’s white-ball teams, especially with major tournaments like the T20 World Cup 2026 and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Sanju Samson’s cricket journey is a mix of promise, performance, and potential still waiting to be unlocked. Whether it’s smashing centuries in the IPL, averaging nearly 57 in ODIs, or dazzling with a 152+ strike rate in T20Is, Samson has shown he belongs at the top level.
The only question now is—can he turn that potential into long-term consistency for India?
One thing’s for sure: every time Sanju Samson walks out to bat, fans expect fireworks. And more often than not, he delivers.
