Know your Cricketer: Sanju Samson; right-hand batsman

Personal Information
Full Name	Sanju Viswanath Samson
Date of Birth	November 11th, 1994
Current Team(s)	Rajasthan Royals
	Indian Cricket Team
Role	Wicketkeeper Batter
Batting Style	Right Hand Bat
Fielding Position	Wicketkeeper
Debut	July 19th, 2015
Jersey No.	9

 

Sanju Samson, a talented cricketer from India, has been making waves in the world of cricket with his exceptional skills and performances. Born on November 11th, 1994, in Kerala, Samson has established himself as a formidable wicketkeeper-batsman, representing both his state team and the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In this article, we will delve into Samson's journey, from his early days in domestic cricket to his rise to prominence on the international stage.

Early Cricketing Years

U-13 to U-19 Cricket
Samson's cricketing journey began at a young age when he started playing at the under-13 level. Even at this early stage, his talent and potential were evident. In 2007, he made headlines by scoring an astounding 973 runs in just five matches, including four centuries. This remarkable feat set the stage for Samson's future success.

As he progressed through the age groups, Samson continued to impress with his batting prowess. He represented Kerala in various tournaments, including the under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels. His consistent performances caught the attention of selectors and paved the way for his entry into higher levels of cricket.

Debut in First-Class and List A Cricket
In the 2011-12 Ranji Trophy season, Samson made his debut in first-class cricket, representing Kerala. His impressive performances with the bat earned him recognition and propelled him further in his cricketing career. Subsequently, in February 2012, he made his debut in List A cricket, showcasing his skills in limited-overs matches.

Success in the Ranji Trophy
In 2013, Samson's talent reached new heights when he topped the charts in the Ranji Trophy, scoring a total of 530 runs. His consistent run-scoring ability and technical prowess made him a key player for Kerala in domestic cricket.

International Career

T20 International Debut
Samson's outstanding performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of the national selectors, leading to his T20 International debut against Zimbabwe in 2015. Although India faced a top-order batting collapse during the match, Samson showcased his potential by scoring 36 runs for the sixth wicket. Despite his efforts, India fell short by 10 runs.

Indian Premier League (IPL)

Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals
In 2012, Samson was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders for the IPL season. Although he didn't get many opportunities to showcase his talent, a turning point came when he was bought by the Rajasthan Royals for the next season. It was with the Royals that Samson truly made a mark.

Youngest Player to Score a Half-Century
During the IPL, Samson achieved a significant milestone by becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in the tournament. In a match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, he scored a brilliant 63 runs off just 41 balls, displaying his ability to perform under pressure.

Consistent Performances in the IPL
Over the course of eight seasons in the IPL, Samson has been a consistent performer for the Rajasthan Royals. He has amassed over 3000 runs for the team, showcasing his ability to score runs consistently and contribute to his team's success.

Playing Style and Strengths

Wicketkeeping and Batting
Sanju Samson is primarily a wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor an innings. His batting style is characterized by a strong technique, quick reflexes, and the ability to find gaps in the field. As a wicketkeeper, he is agile, with sharp reflexes and safe hands behind the stumps.

Versatility and Adaptability
One of Samson's strengths is his versatility as a batsman. He is comfortable batting in different positions and can adapt his game according to the match situation. Whether it's playing aggressively at the top of the order or stabilizing the innings in the middle, Samson has shown his ability to adjust his approach accordingly.

Power-hitting and Timing
Samson possesses excellent power-hitting abilities, capable of clearing the boundaries with ease. His timing and hand-eye coordination allow him to hit the ball cleanly, making him a potent force in limited-overs cricket.

Recognition and Achievements

Emerging Player of the Year
Samson's consistent performances in the IPL earned him the prestigious "Emerging Player of the Year" award in 2013. This recognition highlighted his immense talent and potential as a young cricketer.

Future Prospects
Sanju Samson's journey in cricket has been filled with promise and potential. With his skills, temperament, and hunger for success, he has the potential to become a leading player in Indian cricket. As he continues to grow and evolve, fans and experts eagerly await his future performances.

Career Statistics
Here are Sanju Samson's career statistics:

Sanju's Batting Stats
Format	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Avg	BF	SR	100s	50s	4s	6s
ODI	13	12	5	390	86*	55.71	375	104.00	0	3	27	19
T20I	18	17	1	313	77	19.56	237	132.06	0	1	23	14
FC	58	96	7	3446	211	38.71	5928	58.13	10	15	397	81
LIST A	117	110	15	3074	212*	32.35	3395	90.54	1	18	258	95
T20	242	235	25	5991	119	28.52	4505	132.98	3	38	483	265

Conclusion
Sanju Samson's rise in the world of cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days in domestic cricket to representing India in T20 Internationals, he has showcased his talent and potential at every stage. With his elegant batting style, versatility, and ability to perform under pressure, Samson has established himself as a key player for both his state team and the Rajasthan Royals. As he continues to make strides in his career, the future looks bright for this rising star of Indian cricket.