Last updated on August 11th, 2024 at 06:41 am

Sanju Viswanath Samson, born on November 11, 1994, is an Indian international cricketer known for his dynamic presence on the field as a wicket-keeper-batsman.

As of 2024, he is 29 years old.

Samson’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast in the coastal village of Pulluvila in Kerala to becoming one of the key players in Indian cricket is nothing short of inspirational.

Early Life and Background

Sanju Samson was born into a Malayali Christian family in Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

His father, Samson Viswanath, was a former police constable at the Delhi Police and a retired football player who represented Delhi in the Santosh Trophy.

His mother, Ligy Viswanath, is a homemaker, and his elder brother, Saly Samson, has played junior cricket for Kerala and currently works in the Accountant General’s office.

Sanju spent his early years in the police residential colony in North Delhi’s GTB Nagar and attended Rosary Senior Secondary School.

He trained under coach Yashpal at the academy in DL DAV Model School, Shalimar Bagh.

His father’s decision to take voluntary retirement and move back to Kerala was pivotal in shaping Sanju’s cricketing career.

In Kerala, he trained at the Masters Cricket Club and later under Biju George at the Medical College Ground, Thiruvananthapuram.

Rise Through the Ranks

Sanju’s talent was evident from a young age.

He was a part of Kerala’s U-13 cricket team and made significant contributions in the KSCA Inter-State under-13 tournament, scoring 973 runs and earning the player of the tournament award.

His impressive performances continued in the U-16 and U-19 levels, eventually leading to his selection in the India U-19 team.

In the 2013 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, Sanju played a crucial role, scoring a century in the final against Pakistan and helping India retain the title.

He was named vice-captain of the India U-19 team for the 2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he was the top run-scorer for India.

Domestic Career

Sanju made his first-class debut for Kerala in the 2011–12 Ranji Trophy.

His early domestic career was marked by consistent performances, including his maiden first-class century against Himachal Pradesh and a career-best 211 against Assam.

He was the highest run-scorer for Kerala in the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season and continued to be a vital player for the team in subsequent seasons.

Despite facing some inconsistent seasons, Sanju’s leadership qualities shone through when he was appointed captain of Kerala for the 2015–16 Ranji Trophy season, making him the youngest player to captain Kerala in Ranji Trophy history.

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Indian Premier League (IPL) Journey

Sanju’s IPL journey began with Rajasthan Royals in 2013, where he quickly made a mark by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the tournament.

Over the years, he has played for Delhi Capitals and returned to Rajasthan Royals, where he currently serves as the captain.

His IPL career is highlighted by several remarkable performances, including his maiden T20 century against Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017 and a century in his first match as captain in 2021.

Under his leadership, Rajasthan Royals reached the finals in 2022 and continued to perform well in the following seasons.

International Career

Sanju made his international debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2015.

Despite facing a stop-start international career, he has had moments of brilliance, including a half-century in T20Is and a maiden ODI century against South Africa in 2023.

He was part of the Indian team that won the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Playing Style and Strengths

Sanju Samson is known for his aggressive yet elegant batting style. He has been praised for his quality batting techniques and wicket-keeping skills.

His powerful forearms, excellent hand-eye coordination, and ability to play aerial shots with minimal foot movement make him a formidable player.

Despite criticisms regarding his consistency and shot selection, his natural talent and fearless approach to batting have made him a valuable asset to any team.

Off the Field

Beyond cricket, Sanju has made significant contributions to society.

He works as a manager at Bharat Petroleum in Thiruvananthapuram and runs the Six Guns Sports Academy, which focuses on cricket and football training for young players.

He also served as the State election icon of Kerala ahead of the 2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election and was appointed as the brand ambassador for Kerala Blasters FC in 2023.

Personal Life

Sanju married his long-time girlfriend, Charulatha Remesh, in a private ceremony in Kovalam on December 22, 2018.

The couple were college mates at Mar Ivanios College. Sanju’s personal life has been relatively private, with his marriage being one of the few notable events shared with the public.

Net Worth and Endorsements

As of 2024, Sanju Samson’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹75 crore (approximately 10 million USD).

His earnings come from his cricket career, endorsements, and various brand partnerships.

He has been associated with several high-profile brands, and his strategic investments and business ventures have contributed to his financial success.

Conclusion

Sanju Samson’s age of 29 marks a significant phase in his career, with a wealth of experience and numerous achievements to his name.

From his early days in Kerala to captaining teams in the IPL and representing India on the international stage, his journey is a testament to his dedication, talent, and resilience.

As he continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate the next chapters in the career of this dynamic and inspirational player.