Sanju Samson
Role: Wicketkeeper Batter
DOB: 11 November 1994
IPL Team (2026): Rajasthan Royals
Base Price: Retained (INR 14 Crore in 2022)
IPL CAREER STATISTICS (Updated April 2026)
Batting & Fielding
| Year | Mat | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | CT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 178 | 170 | 14 | 4917 | 119 | 31.51 | 3415 | 144.00 | 3 | 30 | 389 | 226 | 120 |
| 2024 | 16 | 16 | 3 | 531 | 86* | 48.27 | 349 | 152.14 | 0 | 5 | 48 | 24 | 12 |
| 2023 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 360 | 66* | 30.00 | 236 | 152.54 | 0 | 3 | 29 | 19 | 11 |
| 2022 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 458 | 55 | 28.62 | 303 | 151.15 | 0 | 2 | 43 | 26 | 10 |
| 2021 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 484 | 119 | 40.33 | 339 | 142.77 | 1 | 2 | 45 | 17 | 9 |
| 2020 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 375 | 85 | 28.84 | 236 | 158.89 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 26 | 13 |
| 2019 | 12 | 12 | 1 | 342 | 102* | 31.09 | 238 | 143.69 | 1 | 2 | 24 | 19 | 9 |
| 2018 | 15 | 15 | 2 | 441 | 92* | 31.50 | 309 | 142.71 | 0 | 3 | 45 | 19 | 10 |
| 2017 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 386 | 102 | 27.57 | 250 | 154.40 | 1 | 2 | 31 | 20 | 12 |
| 2016 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 291 | 60 | 22.38 | 240 | 121.25 | 0 | 1 | 26 | 11 | 10 |
| 2015 | 14 | 13 | 2 | 204 | 54 | 18.54 | 188 | 108.51 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 7 | 8 |
| 2014 | 13 | 13 | 1 | 339 | 70 | 28.25 | 270 | 125.55 | 0 | 2 | 27 | 14 | 10 |
| 2013 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 206 | 63* | 25.75 | 169 | 121.89 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 8 | 6 |
Bowling
| Year | Mat | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
The Story of Sanju Samson
From the sun-drenched grounds of Kerala emerged a prodigious talent, Sanju Samson, whose elegant stroke play and sharp wicketkeeping quickly caught the eye of the cricketing world. Born in a family with a strong sporting background, Samson’s journey into the IPL began with a bang in 2013. Picked up by the Rajasthan Royals as a raw 18-year-old, he found a mentor in Rahul Dravid, whose guidance helped him refine his natural gifts. His debut season saw flashes of brilliance, including a match-winning 63* against Royal Challengers Bangalore, instantly marking him as a future star.
Samson’s playing style is a delightful blend of classical technique and modern aggression. He possesses a rare ability to time the ball effortlessly, often making even the most challenging shots look simple. His wristy flicks, powerful drives, and audacious pulls are a treat for the purists, while his ability to clear the ropes with ease excites the T20 faithful. He’s a batsman who can anchor an innings with composure, yet switch gears in an instant to unleash a flurry of boundaries, making him a versatile asset in any batting lineup.
Over the years, Samson has matured into a leader, taking on the captaincy of the Rajasthan Royals in 2021. This added responsibility has often brought out the best in him, showcasing a more measured approach alongside his inherent flair. His three IPL centuries, each a masterclass in T20 batting, stand as testament to his match-winning potential. The 119 against Punjab Kings in 2021, where he single-handedly almost chased down a mammoth total, remains etched in memory as one of the finest individual efforts in IPL history.
Beyond the runs and dismissals, Samson brings a calm and composed presence to the field. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Royals to consistent performances, including a memorable run to the final in 2022. He’s not just a player; he’s the heartbeat of the Rajasthan Royals, a fan favourite, and a consistent performer who continues to evolve his game.
IPL Journey: Team by Team
Sanju Samson’s IPL career has largely been defined by his association with the Rajasthan Royals, interspersed with a crucial stint at Delhi.
- Rajasthan Royals (2013-2015): Samson began his IPL journey with the Royals in 2013, acquired for a modest sum as an uncapped player. Under the mentorship of Rahul Dravid, he blossomed, showcasing his talent with impressive cameos and earning the “Emerging Player of the Season” award in 2013. He remained a key part of their middle order until the franchise’s suspension.
- Delhi Daredevils (2016-2017): In the 2016 auction, Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) secured Samson for INR 4.2 Crore. It was during his time with Delhi that he truly announced himself as a top-tier T20 batsman, scoring his maiden IPL century (102 off 63 balls) against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, a knock that highlighted his destructive capability.
- Rajasthan Royals (2018-Present): The 2018 mega-auction saw Samson return home to Rajasthan Royals for a significant INR 8 Crore. He quickly became an indispensable part of the franchise, consistently leading their batting charts. His loyalty and performance were rewarded when he was appointed captain ahead of the 2021 season. In 2022, he was retained by RR for a whopping INR 14 Crore, solidifying his status as the face of the franchise and leading them to the IPL final.
What Makes Them Special: Betting Perspective
For bettors, Sanju Samson offers a compelling profile, blending high-impact potential with increasing consistency. His primary strength lies in his exceptional timing and ability to hit clean boundaries against both pace and spin. He thrives on good batting surfaces where the ball comes onto the bat, making him a strong bet on pitches known for high scores, particularly at home in Jaipur.
Samson often starts his innings with a watchful eye, but once set, he can accelerate dramatically, making him a prime candidate for “Highest Sixes” or “Player to Score 50+” bets, especially when batting at number 3 or 4. His captaincy has added a layer of responsibility, leading to more mature and consistent performances, as evidenced by his stellar 2024 season. He’s less prone to reckless shots early on compared to his younger days, which improves his “Total Runs” market value.
However, bettors should note his occasional vulnerability against quality swing bowling in the initial overs, particularly when the ball is new. On slow, turning tracks where timing is difficult, he might struggle to maintain his high strike rate. Bet ON Samson when Rajasthan Royals are batting first, allowing him time to build an innings, or on flat tracks against bowling attacks that lack genuine pace or mystery spin. Bet AGAINST him on challenging, two-paced wickets or when chasing an improbable target where he might be forced to take risks too early. His wicketkeeping adds value to “Player Performance Points” markets, with catches and stumpings contributing to his overall score.
Key Records & Milestones
- One of only a handful of players to score three IPL centuries (102 vs RPS in 2017, 102* vs SRH in 2019, 119 vs PBKS in 2021).
- First player to score a century as captain for Rajasthan Royals (119 vs PBKS in 2021).
- Over 4900 career IPL runs, placing him among the top run-scorers in the league’s history.
- Captained Rajasthan Royals to the IPL 2022 final, showcasing his leadership prowess.
- Holds the record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper for Rajasthan Royals.
- Youngest player to score 1000 IPL runs (achieved in 2014 at 19 years and 165 days, a record at the time).
IPL Season Highlights
Sanju Samson has delivered several memorable seasons, but a few stand out for their impact and statistical brilliance:
- IPL 2017 (Delhi Daredevils): This was a breakthrough year where Samson truly established himself. He scored 386 runs at a blistering strike rate of 154.40, including his maiden IPL century (102 off 63 balls) against Rising Pune Supergiant, a knock that showcased his ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks.
- IPL 2021 (Rajasthan Royals): As captain for the first time, Samson led from the front with the bat, amassing 484 runs at an average of 40.33 and a strike rate of 142.77. His magnificent 119 against Punjab Kings in the opening match, albeit in a losing cause, was a testament to his individual brilliance and leadership intent.
- IPL 2022 (Rajasthan Royals): A season of leadership and consistency, Samson guided RR to their first final since 2008. While not his highest run-scoring season, his 458 runs at a strike rate of 146.79 were crucial, often coming at pivotal moments to set up or chase totals, demonstrating his maturity as a captain and batsman.
- IPL 2024 (Rajasthan Royals): Arguably his most complete season, Samson scored 531 runs at an exceptional average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 152.14. He consistently anchored the innings, converted starts into significant scores, and led his team with aplomb, showcasing a new level of consistency and match-winning impact.