Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has been the face of Kerala cricket for well over a decade, but the story could have been very different. Raised in Delhi, where his father was a police officer, Samson’s story only really took off when his family returned to their home state when he was 13. In some ways, this opened doors for Samson, who quickly broke into the scheme of things at age-group level cricket in the state. Nevertheless, it might well be his frustrations with Delhi cricket that feels more familiar for him now.

Samson’s journey through youth cricket was somewhat protracted, but it was an indication of the potential and quality the wicketkeeper had shown even in his teenage years. Samson was in consideration for senior games as early as 14 or 15, but made his debut in 2011 at the age of 17. National youth selectors and IPL scouts had also begun to take notice, as Samson’s fluent style and run-scoring ability stood out.

He would be called up to the IPL in 2012 as part of the Kolkata Knight Riders, but he would only receive his debut the following season for the Rajasthan Royals. Under the mentorship of Rahul Dravid, Samson performed well in his debut season, including 63(41) in only his second match against RCB. That knock would make him the youngest player to score a half-century in the IPL at the time.

Samson’s immense talent would be rewarded with a national team debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in the 2015 tour. It would be nearly four years before Samson was given his second opportunity to play in national colours, however, with his route as wicketkeeper being blocked first by MS Dhoni, then KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

Samson would continue to rack up the runs on the domestic and IPL front, becoming a talismanic figure for both Kerala and the Rajasthan Royals, with whom he has spent every IPL season since 2013 bar the two years of their ban. These years included him scoring the fastest List A double-century by an Indian player in 2019 against Goa, although his domestic career would be marred by a conflict with his state team captain Sachin Baby.

Samson would begin to get more opportunities for the national team, returning to the fold once again under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, who had provided him his first breakthrough all those years ago. He would receive his ODI debut in Sri Lanka in 2021, the same year he was awarded captaincy of his IPL franchise.

The turn of the decade has instilled a sense of maturity in Samson, who is experiencing his best years with the added responsibility of captaincy: his Rajasthan Royals teams have been largely successful as a unit, while he has flourished individually as well. Samson breached the 500-run mark in an IPL season for the first time in 2024, finishing second in the orange cap list behind Virat Kohli, as his innate talent for batting was finally supplemented by focus and consistency.

Samson’s chances for the national team remain few and far between, with the wicketkeeper spot for the national team facing stiff competition. Samson would score his maiden international ton in 2023 against South Africa, and boasts impressive numbers in the 50-over format, averaging 56.66 and striking at a touch below 100. Samson remains on the verge of the white ball teams, and with the pieces finally beginning to fall in line for him, he will be eyeing an extended run in the national setup.