Sanju Samson has been a fascinating study in potential, perseverance, and the occasional heartbreak that comes with being on the cusp of greatness.
Born on November 11, 1994, in the coastal village of Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Sanju Viswanath Samson has carved out a unique place in Indian cricket. At 30 years old and standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, he might not tower over his contemporaries physically, but his batting prowess certainly makes him stand out.
Education
Sanju Samson’s educational journey is as interesting as his cricket career. His early childhood was spent in the Police residential colony in North Delhi’s GTB Nagar, where he studied at Rosary Senior Secondary School. It was here that his cricket dreams first took shape under coach Yashpal at the DL DAV Model School academy in Shalimar Bagh.
But here’s where the story gets compelling – when young Sanju didn’t make it into the Delhi U-13 team for the Dhruv Pandove Trophy, his father made a life-changing decision. He took voluntary retirement from the Delhi police force, and the family moved to Kerala to pursue Sanju’s cricketing aspirations.
In Kerala, Samson’s education continued at St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, before he pursued a B.A. degree in English Literature from Mar Ivanios College, also in Thiruvananthapuram. Interestingly, apart from cricket, his childhood aspiration was to become an IPS officer – talk about having a backup plan!
Biography Table
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sanju Viswanath Samson |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1994 |
| Age | 30 years |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Birthplace | Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Kerala |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Role | Wicket-keeper-batter |
| Jersey Number | 9 (India), 11 (RR) |
| Education | B.A. English Literature, Mar Ivanios College |
| Net Worth | ₹75-80 Crores |
| BCCI Contract | Grade ‘C’ (₹1 Crore annually) |
| Partner | Charulatha Remesh |
International Debuts and Jersey Numbers
Sanju Samson’s international debut came in different formats at different times, which tells you something about the selective nature of his international career. He first donned the Indian jersey in a T20I against Zimbabwe on July 19, 2015, becoming the 55th player to represent India in T20 cricket.
His ODI debut came much later – on July 23, 2021, against Sri Lanka, where he became India’s 241st ODI player. The wait was long, but when it came, it was worth it. His highest ODI score of 108 came against South Africa, showcasing exactly why selectors kept faith in him.
Samson’s jersey number is 9 for both ODIs and T20Is, while he wears number 11 for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. These numbers have become synonymous with his elegant strokeplay and reliable keeping.
Similar: Rishabh Pant Biography
IPL Journey and Salary Breakdown
Let’s talk money – because in the IPL, that’s often where talent meets recognition. Sanju Samson’s IPL salary has been a rollercoaster ride of valuations and expectations.
IPL Auction History
| Year | Price | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ₹18.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2024 | ₹14.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2023 | ₹14.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2022 | ₹14.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2018-2021 | ₹8.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2016-2017 | ₹4.20 Cr | Delhi Daredevils |
| 2014-2015 | ₹4.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2013 | ₹1.00 Cr | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2012 | ₹80.00 Lakhs | Kolkata Knight Riders |
The jump to ₹18 crores in 2025 represents not just inflation in the IPL market, but genuine recognition of Samson’s value. After all, you don’t become one of the highest-paid players without delivering consistently.
Career Statistics
Samson’s career stats paint a picture of a player who’s been phenomenally successful in T20 cricket while still finding his feet in the longer formats.
Complete Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 16 | 14 | 510 | 108 | 56.67 | 99.61 | 1 | 3 |
| T20I | 42 | 38 | 861 | 111 | 25.32 | 152.39 | 3 | 2 |
| IPL | 176 | 172 | 4704 | 119 | 30.75 | 139.05 | 3 | 26 |
His ODI average of 56.67 is genuinely impressive, while his T20I strike rate of 152.39 shows he knows how to accelerate when needed. The IPL stats – 176 matches, 4704 runs – speak to his longevity and consistency in the tournament.
Net Worth
Sanju Samson’s net worth is estimated between ₹75-80 crores, making him one of the wealthier cricketers in India. This wealth comes from multiple sources:
- IPL contracts (his biggest earner)
- BCCI Grade ‘C’ contract worth ₹1 crore annually
- Brand endorsements and sponsorship deals
- Personal investments and business ventures
His financial success mirrors his cricketing journey – built steadily over time, with some spectacular peaks along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Sanju Samson’s height?
A: Sanju Samson stands 5 feet 7 inches tall.
Q: What is Sanju Samson’s educational qualification?
A: He completed his B.A. in English Literature from Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, after graduating from St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School.
Q: When did Sanju Samson make his international debut?
A: He made his T20I debut on July 19, 2015, against Zimbabwe, and his ODI debut on July 23, 2021, against Sri Lanka.
Q: What jersey number does Sanju Samson wear?
A: He wears jersey number 9 for India in both ODIs and T20Is, and number 11 for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
Q: What is Sanju Samson’s IPL salary for 2025?
A: Sanju Samson was retained by Rajasthan Royals for ₹18 crores in the 2025 IPL season.
Q: What is Sanju Samson’s estimated net worth?
A: His net worth is estimated to be between ₹75-80 crores, including his IPL earnings, BCCI contract, and endorsements.