Sanju Samson: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Indian cricketer (born 1994)}}

|         image   = Sanju.Samson.jpg

|      image_size =

|              alt =  

|          caption = Samson in 2017

|      birth_place = [[Trivandrum]],[[India]]

|      death_date =

|      death_place =

|        nickname =

|         height  = 5 ft 7 in<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mpl.live/blog/indian-t20-fantasy-premier-league/sanju-samson/|title=Sanju Samson - India's next big thing?|work=Mobile Premier League|access-date= 6 September 2021|date= 6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909045737/https://www.mpl.live/blog/indian-t20-fantasy-premier-league/sanju-samson/|archive-date=9 September 2021}}</ref>

|          bowling = Right-arm [[Off spin|off break]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wisden.com/players/sanju-samson|title=Sanju Samson – Wisden profile|work=Wisden India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906075615/https://wisden.com/players/sanju-samson|url-status=live| archive-date=6 September 2021}}</ref>

|            role = [[Wicket-keeper-batter]]

|      lastodidate = 1 August

|      lastodiyear = 2023

|  lastodiagainst = West Indies

| lastT20Iagainst = Ireland

| lastT20Idate = 20 August

| lastT20Iyear = 2023

|        T20Ishirt = 9 (previously 14)

|            club3 = [[Delhi Capitals]]

|            club4 = [[Rajasthan Royals]]

|            column1 = [[One Day International|ODI]]                      

|            matches1 = 12

|              runs1 = 391

 

|            bat avg1 = 55.71

|          100s/50s1 = 0/3

|          top score1 = 86*

|  catches/stumpings1 = 7/2

|            matches2 = 16

|              runs2 = 296

|            bat avg2 = 21.14

|          100s/50s2 = 0/1

|          top score2 = 77

|  catches/stumpings2 = 7/2

|            matches4 = 226

|              runs4 = 5,612

|            bat avg4 = 28.63

|          100s/50s4 = 3/35

|  catches/stumpings4 = 118/22

| date = 3 January

| year = 2023

'''Sanju Viswanath Samson''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=Sanju Samson.wav|ˌ|s|ʌ|n|dʒ|u|_|s|æ|m|s|ən}}; born 11 November 1994) is an Indian international [[cricket]]er, who captains [[Kerala cricket team|Kerala]] in domestic cricket, Kerala Tigers in Kerala Premier League T20 (KCA President's Cup T20) and [[Rajasthan Royals]] in the [[Indian Premier League]].

 

A right-handed [[wicket-keeper-batter]], he was the vice-captain of the [[India national under-19 cricket team|Indian U-19 team]] for the [[2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup]]. He made his India debut in the 2015 [[Twenty20|T20]] international away against [[Zimbabwe national cricket team|Zimbabwe]]. He made his [[One Day International]] debut in 2021 against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]].

Sanju started his cricketing career in [[Delhi]] and later moved to [[Kerala]]. After making an impact in junior cricket, he made his first-class debut for Kerala in 2011. He made his Premier League debut in 2013 for Rajasthan Royals and won the [[List of Indian Premier League awards#Emerging Player of the Year|Emerging Player of the Year.]] He scored an unbeaten 212 in the [[2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy]], the sixth time an Indian scored a double-century in [[List A cricket]], which is also the second-fastest double century in the format.

== Early life ==

Samson was born on 11 November 1994<ref name="bd2">{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/report-from-virat-kohli-to-david-miller-cricketers-wish-sanju-samson-happy-birthday-2855884|title=From Virat Kohli to David Miller, cricketers wish Sanju Samson happy birthday|work=DNA India|access-date=11 November 2020|date=11 November 2020}}</ref> into a [[Malayali]] Christian family<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2014/may/17/KRLCC-Awards-Announced-613807.html|title=KRLCC Awards Announced|work=New Indian Express|access-date=15 September 2021|date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211090944/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/2014/may/17/KRLCC-Awards-Announced-613807.html|archive-date=11 December 2019}}</ref> in  [[Pulluvila]], a coastal village near [[Vizhinjam]] in [[Thiruvananthapuram]] district of [[Kerala]].<ref name="Cricinfo">{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/425943.html|title=Sanju Samson – Cricinfo Profile|date=3 November 2011|work=ESPN Cricinfo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909052208/https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/sanju-samson-425943|archive-date=9 September 2021|first=Amol|last=Karhadkar}}</ref> His father, Samson Viswanath, was formerly a police constable at [[Delhi Police]] and a retired football player who has represented [[Delhi football team|Delhi]] in [[Santhosh Trophy]]<ref name="FindofIPL">{{cite web| url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ipls-new-find-sanju-samson-a-viswanath-in-him|work=Sportskeeda|title= IPL's new find Sanju Samson: a Viswanath in him?|access-date=18 April 2013|date=18 April 2013}}</ref> and his mother, Ligy Viswanath is a housewife.<ref name="indiatoday">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/sanju-viswanathan-samson-india-vs-england-odi-coastal-village-celebrates-203006-2014-08-06|title=How Kerala boy Sanju Samson made it to Team India|work=[[India Today]]|author=J Binduraj|access-date=6 August 2014|date=6 August 2014}}</ref> His elder brother Saly Samson has represented [[Kerala cricket team|Kerala]] in Junior cricket<ref name="SanjuESPN">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sanju-samson-grabs-his-biggest-chance-to-shine-633829|work=ESPN Cricinfo|title=Sanju Samson grabs his biggest chance to shine|access-date=25 April 2021|first=Amol|last=Karhadkar|date=3 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/182/182684/182684.html|work=Cricket Archive|title=Saly Samson}}</ref> and currently works in the AG's office.<ref name="TIMESOFINDIA">{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/when-delhis-politics-defeated-sanju-samson/articleshow/82199481.cms|title=When Delhi's politics defeated Sanju Samson|access-date=8 May 2021|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=7 May 2021}}</ref>

Samson spent his early childhood in the Police residential colony in [[North Delhi]] neighbourhood of [[Kingsway Camp|GTB Nagar]] and studied at Rosary Senior Secondary School,

Delhi.<ref name="TIMESOFINDIA"/> He trained under coach Yashpal at the academy in DL DAV Model School, [[North West Delhi|Shalimar Bagh]].<ref name="IE">{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/ipl-2018-indian-premier-league-sanju-samson-rajasthan-royals-nitish-rana-kolkata-knight-riders-5143213/|work=Indian Express|title=Sons Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana rivals in Indian Premier League, their fathers old friends|first=Nihal|last=Koshie|date=19 April 2018|access-date=26 April 2021}}</ref> When Sanju didn't make it into the [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]] U-13 team for Dhruv Pandove Trophy, his father took voluntary retirement from the [[Delhi police]] force; a year after he retired from football and moved to [[Kerala]], where Sanju and his brother continued their cricketing careers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/2006-when-sanju-samson-was-not-good-enough-to-make-delhi-u-13-team/story-eWHparC4k6Eif8oawWL1VL.html|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|title=2006: When Sanju Samson was not good enough to make Delhi U-13|access-date=8 May 2021|date=7 August 2014|first=Khurram|last=Habib|place=[[New Delhi]]}}</ref><ref name="espn">{{cite web|url= https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/862383/the-tale-of-samson|work=[[The Cricket Monthly]]|title=The tale of Samson|first1=Karthik|last1= Krishnaswamy|publisher=[[ESPN Cricinfo]]|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> In Kerala, he attended Masters Cricket Club in Thiruvananthapuram<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.redbull.com/in-en/best-cricket-academies-in-kerala|title=Six best cricket academies in Kerala|date=21 July 2020|access-date=23 September 2021|work=Red Bull}}</ref> before changing academies to train under [[Biju George]] on [[Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram|Medical College Ground, Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2020/jul/31/sanju-samson-will-definitely-perform-in-ipl-have-never-seen-him-more-focused-coach-biju-george-2177282.html|work=[[New Indian Express]]|title=Sanju Samson will definitely perform in IPL. Have never seen him more focused – Coach Biju George|access-date=25 April 2021|date=31 July 2020}}</ref>

Sanju Samson graduated high school from [[St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School, Thiruvananthapuram]], [[Kerala]].<ref name="mathrubhumi">{{cite web|last=Jayaprasad|first=R|title=സഞ്ജുവിന്റെ മനസ്സിൽ ലോകകപ്പ് സ്വപ്നമില്ലാത്തതിന്റെ കാരണം |trans-title=Here is the reason why Sanju Samson doesn't have a world cup dream|work=[[Mathrubhumi]]|url=https://www.mathrubhumi.com/sports/features/sanjusamson-keralacricket-malayalam-news-1.1254396|access-date=16 April 2021|date=4 August 2016|language=ml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424012100/https://www.mathrubhumi.com/sports/features/sanjusamson-keralacricket-malayalam-news-1.1254396|archive-date=24 April 2021}}</ref> He pursued a [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] degree in English literature<ref>{{cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/gallery/cricket-sports/from-college-couples-to-life-partners-a-look-at-the-love-story-of-sanju-samson-and-charulatha-ramesh-ayh-qlqp3m|work=Asianet News|title=From college couples to life partners: A look at the love story of Sanju Samson and Charulatha Ramesh|date=22 December 2020|access-date=28 October 2021}}</ref> from [[Mar Ivanios College]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/cricketer-sanju-samson-likes-to-reflect-on-his-life-and-career-at-a-quiet-corner-at-his-alma-mater-mar-ivanios/article24933873.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|title=Sanju Samson likes to reflect on his life and career at a quiet corner at his alma mater has Ivanios|access-date=25 April 2021|first=Harikumar|last=J. S.|place=Thiruvananthapuram|date=12 September 2018}}</ref> Apart from cricket, his childhood aspiration was to become an [[Indian Police Service|IPS]] officer.<ref name="IPS">{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/beyond-boundaries/article5614392.ece|title=Beyond boundaries|first=Nita|last=Sathyendran|date=24 January 2014|access-date=3 November 2021|work=The Hindu}}</ref>

 

Samson was a member of the U-13 cricket team of [[Kerala cricket team|Kerala]] in 2007.<ref name="indiatoday"/> In the KSCA Inter-State under-13 tournament, he captained Kerala and bagged the player of the tournament award scoring 973 runs, including four centuries in five matches at an average of 108.11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/8/KSCA_Inter-State_Under-13_Tournament_2007-08/Batting_by_Average.html|title=KSCA Inter-State Under-13 Tournament 2007/08|work=Cricket Archive|access-date=15 February 2022}}</ref> As a member of Kerala U-16 team for the 2008–09 Vijay Merchant Trophy, he scored a double century off 138 balls against [[Goa cricket team|Goa]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/sanju-viswanadh-timing-a-dream-run/article6295177.ece/amp/|work=The Hindu|title=Sanju Viswanadh timing a dream run|date=8 August 2014 }}</ref> and finished the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer with 498 runs including two centuries and two fifties.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/11/Vijay_Merchant_Trophy_2008-09/Batting_by_Average.html |title=Batting and Fielding in Vijay Merchant Trophy 2008/09 (Ordered by Average) |work=Cricket Archive |access-date=15 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001225307/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/11/Vijay_Merchant_Trophy_2008-09/Batting_by_Average.html |archive-date=1 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="the Hindu">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/sanju-vishwanath-on-a-roll/article945356.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Sanju Vishwanath on a roll | date=11 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214075236/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/Sanju-Vishwanath-on-a-roll/article15588844.ece|archive-date=14 December 2021}}</ref> He was also the captain of Kerala in U-16 and U-19 levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/ten-facts-about-sanju-samson-12589.html/page/5|work=India TV News|title=Know the 10 facts about Sanju Samson you might not know|date=4 December 2014|access-date=16 February 2022}}</ref>

His performance in the 2010-11 [[Cooch Behar Trophy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/13/Cooch_Behar_Trophy_2010-11/Batting_by_Average.html |title=Batting and Fielding in Cooch Behar Trophy 2010/11 (Ordered by Average) |work=Cricket Archive |access-date=15 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004140410/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/13/Cooch_Behar_Trophy_2010-11/Batting_by_Average.html |archive-date=4 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> earned him a spot in the [[India national under-19 cricket team|India U-19 team]] that played the [[ACC Under-19 Cup|2012 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup]] held in [[Malaysia]] in June 2012.<ref name="Cricinfo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/567245.html|title=Sandipan Das, Sanju Samson in India U-19 Asia Cup squad|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> His dismal show in the tournament meant that he failed to get selected to India's squad for the [[2012 Under-19 Cricket World Cup]] that followed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/under-19-world-cup-2012-prashant-chopra-in-india-u-19-world-cup-squad-570921|title=Prashant Chopra in India U-19 World Cup squad|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He was named vice-captain of India U-19 team for the [[2013 Top End Under-19 Series in Australia]] in June 2013.<ref name="U19TS">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/642365.html|title=Zol to captain India U-19s in Australia tri-series|work=ESPN Crincinfo|date=15 June 2013|access-date=17 June 2013}}</ref> He scored two half-centuries in India U-19's Youth Test series against Sri Lanka held from July to August 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8255;type=series|title= Records / India Under-19s in Sri Lanka Youth Test Series, 2013 / Most runs|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> In the 2013 ACC Under 19 Asia cup in UAE, he scored a century in the final against Pakistan, helping India retain the cup.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8616/report/690617/india-under-19s-vs-pakistan-under-19s-final-asian-cricket-council-under-19s-asia-cup-2013-14|title=Zol, Samson help India claim Asia Cup|website=ESPN Cricinfo|language=en|access-date=2019-11-06}}</ref> He was also India's vice-captain in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/179128|date=10 January 2014|title=Zol, Samson star in Asia Cup victory|work=International cricket council}}</ref> In January 2014, [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] appointed Sanju as vice-captain of team India for the [[2014 Under-19 Cricket World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/atit-sheth-back-in-india-squad-for-u-19-world-cup-709601|title=Atit Sheth back in India squad for U-19 world cup|work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=13 January 2014}}</ref> He was the top run-scorer for India in the tournament<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8909;team=1854;type=tournament|title=Records / ICC Under-19 Worldcup, 2013/14 – India Under-19s (Young Cricketers) / Most Runs|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> with a highest score of 85 runs from 45 balls against [[Papua New Guinea]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8368/scorecard/700377/india-under-19s-vs-papua-new-guinea-under-19s-23rd-match-group-a-icc-under-19-world-cup-2013-14|title=3rd Match, Group A, ICC Under-19 World Cup at Sharjah, Feb 19, 2014 |work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=19 February 2014}}</ref>

===Early domestic career===

A double-century in the 2008-09 Vijay Merchant Trophy<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/sanju-samson-is-no-ordinary-batsman-says-tinu-yohannan-168452|title=Sanju Samson is no ordinary batsman, says Tinu Yohannan|work=Cricket Country|date=8 August 2014|access-date=16 February 2022}}</ref> paved way to the Kerala squad for the [[2009–10 Ranji Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/c/content/squad/429173.html|work=ESPN Cricinfo|title=Ranji Trophy Plate League 2009/10 {{!}} Kerala Squad}}</ref> Then aged 14, he was the youngest Kerala cricketer to be selected to play in [[Ranji Trophy]].<ref name="CP">{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/2009/oct/11/enter-keralas-cricket-prodigy-91706.html|title=Enter Kerala's cricket prodigy|date=11 October 2009|work=New Indian Express|access-date=8 August 2021}}</ref> He was named in the Kerala squad for the [[2009–10 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy]] the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/squad/425998.html|title=2009-10 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy {{!}} Kerala Squad (announced on 21 September 2009)|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He made his [[First class cricket|first-class]] debut for the side in the [[2011–12 Ranji Trophy]] on 3 November 2011 against [[Vidarbha cricket team|Vidarbha]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-plate-league-2011-12-522927/vidarbha-vs-kerala-group-a-522990/full-scorecard|title=Group A, Nagpur, Nov 3–6 2011, Ranji Trophy Plate League|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> and [[Twenty20]] debut on 16 October 2011 against [[Hyderabad cricket team|Hyderabad]] in the [[2011–12 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|work=espncricinfo|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/syed-mushtaq-ali-trophy-2011-12-526256/hyderabad-india-vs-kerala-south-zone-526261/full-scorecard|title=2011–12 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy {{!}} Hyderabad vs Kerala {{!}} Full scorecard}}</ref> He was named in the Kerala squad for playing the [[2011-12 Vijay Hazare Trophy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/vijay-hazare-trophy-2011/content/squad/554153.html|work=ESPN Cricinfo|title=2011-12 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kerala squad}}</ref> and made his [[List-A cricket|List-A]] debut on 23 February 2012 against [[Andhra Pradesh cricket team|Andhra Pradesh]] in the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/vijay-hazare-trophy-2011-12-526258/andhra-vs-kerala-south-zone-526339/full-scorecard|work=espncricinfo |title=Southzone, Kerala vs Andhra Pradesh- Vijay Hazare Trophy 2011-12 Full scorecard|access-date=23 February 2012}}</ref>

He scored moderately in the [[2012–13 Vijay Hazare Trophy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=7546;team=1912;type=tournament|title= Records / Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2012/13 – Kerala / Batting and bowling averages|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref> in which Kerala featured in the semi-finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/dominant-delhi-kerala-make-last-four-622849|title=Dominant Delhi, Kerala make last four|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref> He scored his maiden first-class century against [[Himachal Pradesh cricket team|Himachal Pradesh]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keralas-sanju-v-samson-scored-his-maiden-first-class-century-in-the-ranji-trophy-match-against-himachal-pradesh-at-amtar-on-friday/articleshow/17063280.cms|title=Kerala's Sanju V Samson scored his maiden first-class century|work=The Times of India|date= 2 November 2012|access-date=16 February 2022}}</ref> in the [[2012-13 Ranji Trophy]], as he scored 127 runs off 207 balls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-2012-13-574010/himachal-pradesh-vs-kerala-group-c-574030/full-scorecard|title=Group C, Nadaun, Nov 2–5 2012, Ranji Trophy|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=23 February 2012}}</ref> He was Kerala's highest run-getter in [[2013-14 Ranji Trophy]] season scoring 530 runs at an average of 58.88.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2013-14/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=8307;team=1912;type=tournament|title= Ranji Trophy, 2013/14 – Kerala / Records / Batting and bowling averages|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> In his first match of the 2013–14 season against [[Assam cricket team|Assam]] he scored a career-best 211 to bring up his first double century in Ranji Trophy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2013-14/content/story/683671.html|title=Double centuries for Zol, Samson|work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=29 October 2013}}</ref> In the second match against [[Andhra Pradesh cricket team|Andhra Pradesh]] he scored 115 from 281 balls in the 1st innings followed by 51[[not-out|*]] in the second innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2013-14/content/story/686545.html|title=Samson century props up Kerala|work=ESPN cricinfo|date=8 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2013-14/content/story/687327.html|title=Hardeep, Beigh lead J&K to opening win|work=ESPN cricinfo|date=10 November 2021}}</ref> He was named in [[South Zone cricket team|South Zone]]'s squad to play in the [[2013–14 Deodhar Trophy]] in March 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/deodhar-trophy-2013-14-649121/south-zone-squad-726509/series-squads|title=South Zone Squad|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=8 May 2022}}</ref> On the [[Australia A Team Quadrangular Series in 2014]], he finished as India A's highest run-scorer with 244 runs from seven innings, with an average of 81.33.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/766817.html|title='Learnt how to bat in middle order' – Samson|first1=Gaurav |last1=Kalra|first2=Kanishkaa|last2=Balachandran|date=4 August 2014|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He scored his second first-class double century in the [[2014-15 Ranji Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-2014-15-775441/kerala-vs-services-group-c-775831/live-cricket-score|work=[[ESPN Cricinfo]]|title=Group C, Kannur, Jan 29 – Feb 1 2015, Ranji Trophy|access-date=20 May 2021}}</ref> He was named in [[South Zone cricket team|South Zone]]'s squad to play in the [[2014–15 Deodhar Trophy]] in November 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/deodhar-trophy-2014-15-775449/south-zone-squad-802261/series-squads|title=South Zone Squad|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=11 February 2022}}</ref>

===Inconsistent seasons===

Samson was appointed as the captain of [[Kerala cricket team|Kerala]] for the [[2015–16 Ranji Trophy]] season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/ranji-trophy-2015-16-sanju-samsons-litmus-test-as-kerala-captain-333536|title=Ranji Trophy 2015–16: Sanju Samson's litmus Test as Kerala captain|date=28 September 2015|work=Cricket Country}}</ref> Then aged 20,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/squad/922761.html|work=ESPN Cricinfo|title=Kerala squad for 2015/16 Ranji Trophy}}</ref> he is the youngest Kerala player to captain the state in [[Ranji Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/topic/sanju-samson/ampdefault|title=Sanju Samson|work=The Times of India|access-date=29 January 2022}}</ref> He began the season with a ton<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/top-stories/ranji-trophy-sachin-baby-sanju-samson-hit-tons-as-kerala-take-big-lead/articleshow/49207628.cms|title=Ranji Trophy: Sachin Baby, Sanju Samson hit tons as Kerala take big lead|date=3 October 2015|work=Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-2015-16-901105/jammu-kashmir-vs-kerala-group-c-901709/full-scorecard|work=ESPNcricinfo|title=Group C, Ranji Trophy 2015/16 at Srinagar on 1 October 2015|access-date=1 October 2015}}</ref> but failed to convert it into a successful season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2015-16/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=10281;team=1912;type=tournament|title=Ranji Trophy, 2015/16 – Kerala / Records / Most Runs|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref>

He started the [[2016-17 Ranji Trophy|next]] Ranji season scoring a 154 against [[Jammu and Kashmir cricket team|Jammu and Kashmir]]<ref name="jk">{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2016-17/content/story/1060644.html |title=Samson 129* steers Kerala out of trouble |publisher=ESPN Cricinfo |date=6 October 2016 |access-date=6 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ranji-trophy-2016-17-1053433/kerala-vs-jammu-kashmir-group-c-1053477/full-scorecard|title=Group C, Ranji Trophy 2016/17 at Kalyani on 6 October 2016|date=6 October 2016|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> but again failed to impress the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/as-sanju-samson-grows-so-will-kerala-cricket-the-changing-fortunes-that-a-changed-approach-dav-whatmore-brought-4235945.html/amp|title=Sanju Samson's rise from the rut is also the story of Kerala cricket finding its feet, finally|work=First Post|date=December 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2016-17/engine/records/batting/highest_career_batting_average.html?id=11519;team=1912;type=tournament|title=Ranji Trophy, 2016/17 – Kerala / Records / Highest Averages|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He was issued a show-cause notice by [[Kerala Cricket Association]] for alleged acts of indiscipline during a match in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-kerala-cricket-association-issues-sanju-samson-show-cause-notice-1069983|title=KCA issues show-cause notice to Samson|first=Arun|last=Venugopal|date=1 December 2016|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref>

Samson was the leading run-scorer for Kerala in the [[2017–18 Ranji Trophy]], with 627 runs from seven matches.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=12014;team=1912;type=tournament |title=Ranji Trophy, 2017/18: Kerala batting and bowling averages |publisher=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> In a must-win match against [[Saurashtra cricket team|Saurashtra]], he scored a 68 in the first innings and smashed a 180 ball 175 in the second innings, helping his team claim a 309 runs victory and quarter-final berth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/99378/ranji-trophy-2017-18-top-performances-cricket-rajneesh-gurbani-mayank-agarwal-vinay-kumar-sanju-samson-cricbuzzcom|title=Ranji Trophy 2017–18: Top Performances|first=Akash|last=Sarkar|date=4 January 2018|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/cricket/series/8050/game/1118676/kerala-vs-saurashtra-group-b-ranji-trophy-2017-18|title=Group B, Ranji Trophy at Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 17–20 2017|work=ESPN|access-date=17 February 2022}}</ref> Kerala went on to play its first quarter-final in Ranji Trophy history in the season with Samson being one of their top performers.<ref name="five">{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21596813/kerala-play-their-first-ranji-knockout-vidarbha |title=Kerala to play their first Ranji knockout against Vidarbha |publisher=ESPN Cricinfo |date=28 November 2017 |access-date=28 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2017/11/21/ranji-trophy-kerala-whatmore-sanju-samson-jalaj-saxena-sijomon-kc-akshay.html|work=On Manorama|title=Kerala reaping the fruits of aggressive cricket|author=Paul Abraham K|date=21 November 2021|access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>

In November 2017, he was appointed as the captain of the [[Board President's XI (India)|Board President's XI]], replacing an injured [[Naman Ojha]] for a two-day tour match against Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/sri-lanka-in-india/sanju-samson-to-lead-board-presidents-xi-against-sri-lanka/articleshow/61582404.cms|title=Sanju Samson to lead Board President's XI against Sri Lanka|work=The Times of India|date=9 November 2017}}</ref> He scored a century against the visiting team ending the match in a draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keralacricketassociation.com/sanju-samson-board-presidents-xi-draw-with-sri-lanka|title=Sanju Samson hundred leads Board President's XI draw with Sri Lanka|work=Kerala Cricket Association}}</ref>

In August 2018, he was one of eight players that were fined by the [[Kerala Cricket Association]], after showing dissent against Kerala's captain, [[Sachin Baby]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24533211/sanju-samson-13-players-sanctioned-kerala |title=Sanju Samson among 13 players sanctioned by Kerala |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=31 August 2018}}</ref>

In September 2019, he scored 91 runs off 48 balls in the fifth unofficial List-A match between India A and [[South Africa A cricket team|South Africa A team]] and was awarded the man-of-the-match award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/india-a-vs-south-africa-a-5th-unofficial-odi-sanju-samsons-91-leads-india-a-to-204-4-888568|title=India A Vs South Africa A 5th unofficial ODI: Sanju Samson's 91 leads India A to 204–4|work=cricketcountry|access-date=6 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19458/report/1197424/india-a-vs-south-africa-a-5th-unofficial-odi-sa-a-tour-of-india-2019|title=Sanju Samson, Shardul Thakur sparkle as India A wrap up series 4–1|work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=6 September 2019|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> In October 2019, during the [[2019–20 Vijay Hazare Trophy]] match between [[Kerala cricket team|Kerala]] and [[Goa cricket team|Goa]], Sanju doubled his maiden List-A century.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/sanju-samson-smashes-record-breaking-double-hundred-against-goa-2343089.html |title=Sanju Samson Smashes Record-breaking Double Hundred Against Goa |work=Network18 Media and Investments Ltd |access-date=12 October 2019}}</ref><ref name="KerVsGoa1">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/vijay-hazare-trophy-2019-20-1196774/goa-vs-kerala-elite-group-a-1200750/match-report|title=Sanju Samson makes Vijay Hazare Trophy history with unbeaten 212|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=12 October 2019|date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116161727/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/vijay-hazare-trophy-2019-20-1196774/goa-vs-kerala-elite-group-a-1200750/match-report|archive-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> It was the second-fastest double hundred<ref name="KerVsGoa2">{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/news/sanju-samson-hits-double-century-in-vijay-hazare-trophy/amp_articleshow/71553872.cms|title=Sanju Samson hits 212*, highest List-A score in Indian domestic cricket|access-date=12 October 2019|work=Times of India|date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116162021/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/sanju-samson-hits-double-century-in-vijay-hazare-trophy/articleshow/71553872.cms|archive-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> and the fastest by an Indian in the format.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/sanju-samson-breaks-shikhar-dhawan-s-record-hits-fastest-double-hundred-by-an-indian-in-list-a-cricket-in-vijay-hazare-trophy/story-nHZB05KbSrObuK2JII1H1K.html |title=Sanju Samson smashes fastest double hundred by an Indian in 50-overs cricket in Vijay Hazare Trophy match |work=Hindustan Times |date=12 October 2019 |access-date=12 October 2019}}</ref> It was also the highest total made by a wicket-keeper in a List-A match with an unbeaten 212 runs from 129 balls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/sanju-samson-vijay-hazare-trophy-maiden-double-hundred-1608611-2019-10-12 |title=Vijay Hazare Trophy: Sanju Samson sets international record with maiden double hundred |work=India Today|access-date=12 October 2019}}</ref> His partnership of 338 runs with Kerala skipper [[Sachin Baby]] in the match is the highest in List-A cricket for Indian cricket and the third highest in the format.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283615.html|work=ESPNcricinfo|title=Records / List A Matches / Partnership Records / Highest Partnerships by Wicket}}</ref> The impact made from this innings went on to earn him a national call-up after four years, as he was selected to play the Bangladesh series that followed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/110495/sanju-samson-shivam-dube-picked-for-bangladesh-t20is-virat-kohli-rested-india-vs-bangladesh |title=Samson, Dube picked for Bangladesh T20Is; Kohli rested |work=Cricbuzz |access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-vs-bangladesh-sanju-samson-hints-at-possible-return-in-playing-xi-with-cryptic-tweet/story-YomYgFZolj3lA1fqpu1uBO.html|title=India vs Bangladesh: Sanju Samson hints at possible return in playing XI with cryptic Tweet|work=Hindustan Times|date=7 November 2019|access-date=6 January 2022}}</ref>

He was named the captain of [[Kerala cricket team|Kerala]] ahead of the [[2020–21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/news/sanju-named-kerala-skipper-sreesanth-returns/amp_articleshow/80029637.cms|work=timesofindia|title=Sanju Samson named Kerala skipper, Sreesanth returns|date=30 December 2020 }}</ref> Kerala played the quarter-finals of the [[2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidesport.in/syed-mushtaq-ali-trophy-azharuddeen-samson-half-centuries-led-kerala-to-quarterfinals-as-they-beat-himachal-pradesh-in-pre-quarters/ |title=Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Azharuddeen, Samson half centuries led Kerala to quarterfinals as they beat Himachal Pradesh in pre-quarters |work=Inside Sport |date=16 November 2021 |access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> and [[2021-22 Vijay Hazare Trophy]] under his leadership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2021/12/14/vijay-hazare-trophy-sachin-baby-on-song-as-kerala-enter-quarterfinals.html|title=Hazare Trophy: Sachin Baby on song as Kerala enter quarterfinals|date=14 December 2021|access-date=6 January 2022|work=On Manorama}}</ref>

In September 2022, he was named captain of the [[India A cricket team|India A]] squad playing a 3 ODI-series against [[New Zealand A cricket team]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-a-squad-for-new-zealand-a-series-sanju-samson-named-captain-u19-world-cup-star-raj-bawa-included-8155208/|title=India A squad for New Zealand A series: Sanju Samson named captain, U19 World Cup star Raj Bawa included|work=Indian Express|date=16 September 2022 |access-date=21 September 2022}}</ref> India [[Whitewash (sport)|whitewashed]] New Zealand, with Samson being the highest run-getter of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2022/09/27/sanju-samson-ends-up-as-highest-run-getter-as-india-a-sweep-series.amp.html|title=Sanju Samson ends up as highest run-getter, India A sweep series|work=On Manorama|date=27 September 2022|access-date=27 September 2022}}</ref>

In August 2014, Sanju was selected to India's 17-man squad to play in 5 ODIs and a Twenty20 against [[England cricket team|England]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2014/content/story/767007.html|title=Sanju Samson, Karn Sharma get India call-up |work=ESPNCricinfo |access-date=6 August 2014}}</ref> However, he did not make it to the final eleven in any of the matches and remained a backup keeper to [[MS Dhoni]].<ref name="Zimbabwe">{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150715/sports-cricket/article/will-sanju-samson-get-play-zimbabwe|work=Deccan Chronicles|title=Will Sanju Samson get to play Zimbabwe?|date=15 July 2015 |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> In October 2014, he was called to the Twenty20 team to play a [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2014–15|solitary T-20 against West Indies]],<ref>{{cite web| title=Akshar Patel included for remaining WI ODIs |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-west-indies-2014-15/content/story/789149.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo (ESPN Sports Media) |date=14 October 2014 |access-date=14 October 2014 }}</ref> which later got cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/west-indies-tour-of-india-called-off-199831|work=Cricket Country|title=West Indies tour of India called off|date=17 October 2014 |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> In December 2014, he was named in India's 30-member probables list for the [[2015 Cricket World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/new-zealand-in-india-2016/top-stories/seniors-left-out-in-probables-list-for-2015-world-cup/articleshow/45372608.cms|title=Seniors left out in probables list for 2015 World Cup|work=The Times of India|date=4 December 2014 }}</ref> In July 2015, he was drafted into the Indian squad against [[Zimbabwe cricket team|Zimbabwe]] for an ODI and two T20I matches as an injury replacement for [[Ambati Rayudu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/zimbabwe-v-india-2015/content/story/898091.html |title=Rayudu out of Zimbabwe series; Samson called in |access-date=7 November 2019 |work=ESPNCricinfo}}</ref> He made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe at [[Harare]] on 19 July 2015.<ref name="T20I">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-zimbabwe-2015-885951/zimbabwe-vs-india-2nd-t20i-885971/full-scorecard|title=2nd T20I, Harare, Jul 19 2015, India tour of Zimbabwe|work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=19 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116161011/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-zimbabwe-2015-885951/zimbabwe-vs-india-2nd-t20i-885971/full-scorecard|archive-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> After a top-order collapse, Samson added 36 runs in the sixth wicket, along with [[Stuart Binny]] in a low-score chase. India eventually lost the match to Zimbabwe by 10 runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-zimbabwe-2015-885951/zimbabwe-vs-india-2nd-t20i-885971/match-report|title=Chibhabha, Cremer set up maiden T20 win over India|first=Arun|last=Venugopal|work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=19 July 2015|access-date=10 July 2022}}</ref>

In October 2019, he was recalled to the Indian side after four years as a part of India's [[Twenty20 International]] (T20I) squad for their [[Bangladeshi cricket team in India in 2019–20|series against Bangladesh]];<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27917393/virat-kohli-rested,-shivam-dube-gets-maiden-india-call-bangladesh-t20is |title=Virat Kohli rested, Shivam Dube gets maiden India call-up for Bangladesh T20Is |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=24 October 2019}}</ref> but was benched in the whole series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-vs-west-indies-team-selection-bhuvneshwar-kumar-kuldeep-yadav-return-for-t20is-deepak-chahar-included-for-odis/story-zlUA3N9wQTX56EoRykcRQO.html |title=India vs West Indies team selection: Bhuvneshwar, Shami return as India fall back on tried and tested for West Indies series|work=Hindustan Times|date=21 November 2019 |access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> In November 2019, he was added to the Indian team for T20I series against West Indies after an injury to [[Shikhar Dhawan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1208233.html |title=Samson replaces injured Dhawan for West Indies T20Is| work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> In December 2019, he was named in the Twenty 20 squad to play against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28358758/bumrah,-dhawan-return-home-series-sri-lanka-australia |title=Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan return for home series against Sri Lanka and Australia |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=23 December 2019}}</ref> He featured in the third T20I and was dismissed in the second ball, after hitting the first for a sixer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-t20i-sanju-samson-makes-india-comeback-135544.html|work=My Khel|title=India Vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I: Sanju Samson makes India comeback after waiting for 1637 days, fails to impress|first=Avinash|last=Sharma|date=10 January 2020}}</ref> He was selected for the T20I series of the [[India national cricket team|India]] tour of [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]] replacing an injured [[Shikhar Dhawan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/28530612/dhawan-replaced-shaw-samson-new-zealand-tour|title=Dhawan replaced by Shaw and Samson for New Zealand tour|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=21 January 2020}}</ref> but failed to create an impact with the bat with a string of low scores.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket-india-vs-new-zealand-5th-t20i-sanju-samson-s-flop-show-continues-in-mount-maunganui-585255|title=India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Sanju Samson's flop show continues in Mount Maunganui|work=India TV News|date=2 February 2020 |access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-2020-sanju-samsons-challenge-is-to-stay-consistent/articleshow/78280587.cms|title=Sanju Samson's challenge is to stay consistent|work=The Times of India|date=23 September 2020 }}</ref>

| source = Virat Kohli on Samson's batting on Team India. —<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2020/jan/31/virat-kohli-thought-of-sending-fearless-sanju-samson-for-super-over-but-kl-rahul-opposed-2097194.html|title=Virat Kohli thought of sending fearless Sanju Samson for superover|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

In October 2020, he was named in India's [[Twenty20 International]] (T20I) squad for their [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2020–21|series against Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30196657/rishabh-pant-omitted-india-white-ball-squads,-varun-chakravarthy-t20i-squad |title=Rishabh Pant omitted from India's white-ball squads, Varun Chakravarthy in T20I squad |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=27 October 2020}}</ref> On 9 November 2020, he was added to India's [[One Day International]] (ODI) squad, also for their series against Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30284064/virat-kohli-play-only-one-test-australia,-rohit-sharma-added-squad |title=Virat Kohli to return after first Test in Australia, Rohit Sharma added to squad |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=9 November 2020}}</ref> He played all the three Twenty20s but flattered to deceive.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/i-showed-the-selflessness-sanju-samson-satisfied-despite-low-scores-in-australia/|title=Sanju Samson on low scores in Australia|work=Cricket Addictor|date=25 December 2020 }}</ref><ref name="News18">{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/amp/news/india-vs-australia-2020-brilliance-talent-cant-be-a-cover-for-sanju-samsons-inconsistency-3161369.html|work=News 18|title=India vs Australia 2020: Talent can't be a cover for Sanju Samson's inconsistency}}</ref> He was dropped from India's [[Twenty20 International]] squad for their next series [[English cricket team in India in 2020–21|against England]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/cricket/2021/feb/21/sanju-samson-droppedsuryakumar-yadav-rahul-tewatia-picked-for-england-t20-series-check-indias-f-2266772.html|title=Sanju Samson dropped; Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tewatia picked for England T20 series, check India's full squad here|work=New Indian Express}}</ref>

 

In June 2021, he was named in India's [[One Day International]] (ODI) and [[Twenty20 International]] (T20I) squads for their series [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2021|against Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-vs-india-2021-shikhar-dhawan-to-captain-india-on-limited-overs-tour-of-sri-lanka-1265911 |title=Shikhar Dhawan to captain India on limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 June 2021}}</ref> He made his ODI debut on 23 July 2021, for India against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1262757.html |title=3rd ODI (D/N), Colombo (RPS), Jul 23 2021, India tour of Sri Lanka |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=23 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116162516/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2021-1262739/sri-lanka-vs-india-3rd-odi-1262757/full-scorecard|archive-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> He disappointed with the bat in the T20 series in which a depleted Team India lost to Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-sanju-samson-flatters-to-deceive-t20-world-cup-chances-7429331/|title= India tour of Sri Lanka: Sanju Samson flatters to deceive, T20 World Cup chances hang by a thread|date=30 July 2021|access-date=30 July 2021|first=Rahul|last=Sadhu|work=Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidesport.co/india-vs-sri-lanka-3rd-t20-ruturaj-gaikwad-devdutt-padikkal-sanju-samson-fail-again-as-indian-middle-order-collapse/|title= India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson fail again as Indian middle-order collapse|first=Akash|last=Kharade|date=July 29, 2021| access-date=30 July 2021|work=Inside Sport}}</ref> He missed out from the Indian squad for the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]], held in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/it-was-very-disappointing-to-not-be-selected-sanju-samson-on-missing-out-on-indias-t20-world-cup-squad/|title=It Was Very Disappointing To Not Be Selected: Sanju Samson On Missing Out On India's T20 World Cup Squad|first=Sonanchal|last=Gautam|date=20 September 2021|access-date=9 November 2021|work=Cricket Addictor}}</ref>

 

In February 2022, he was named in India's T20 squad for their [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2021–22|series against Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ravindra-jadeja-sanju-samson-back-in-india-squad-for-sri-lanka-t20is-1301954 |title=Ravindra Jadeja, Sanju Samson back in India squad for Sri Lanka T20Is |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> He didn't bat in the first match but scored 39 and 18 in the next two matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/sanju-samson-should-have-played-more-matches-for-india-says-shoaib-akhtar/|work=Cricket Addictor|title=Sanju Samson should have played more matches for India: Shoaib Akhtar|date=5 April 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022}}</ref> In June 2022, he was named in India's squad for their T20I series [[Indian cricket team in Ireland in 2022|against Ireland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ire-vs-india-hardik-pandya-to-captain-india-in-ireland-t20is-rahul-tripathi-gets-maiden-call-up-1320109 |title=Hardik Pandya to captain India in Ireland T20Is; Rahul Tripathi gets maiden call-up |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=15 June 2022}}</ref> In the second match of the series, he scored his maiden half century in T20I, making 77 runs off 42 balls.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-ireland-sanju-samson-hits-maiden-t20i-fifty-in-comeback-match-in-dublin-1967852-2022-06-28|title=India vs Ireland: Sanju Samson hits maiden T20I fifty in comeback match in Dublin|work=India Today|date=28 June 2022|access-date=28 June 2022|language=en}}</ref> His partnership with [[Deepak Hooda]] of 176 runs was the [[List of Twenty20 International records#Highest partnerships (by wicket)|highest partnership for the second wicket]] in men's T20I and the [[List of India Twenty20 International cricket records#Highest partnerships by wicket|highest partnership for any wicket for India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/deepak-hooda-sanju-samson-register-highest-t20i-partnership-for-india-7997088/|title=Deepak Hooda, Sanju Samson register highest T20I partnership for India|work=Indian Express|date=28 June 2022|access-date=28 June 2022|language=en}}</ref>

In June 2022, he was named in India's squad for the first T20I of their [[Indian cricket team in England in 2022|series against England]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ind-vs-eng-2022-rohit-returns-as-captain-for-t20is-and-odis-against-england-1322566|title=Rohit to return as captain for limited-overs series against England|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=30 June 2022}}</ref> but didn't feature in the starting eleven.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/ind-vs-eng-1st-t20i-fans-unhappy-after-sanju-samson-ignored-for-series-opener-against-england-5512165.html|title=IND vs ENG 1st T20I: Fans Unhappy After Sanju Samson Ignored For Series Opener Against England|work=News18|access-date=7 August 2022}}</ref> In July 2022, he was named in India's ODI squad for their away series [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies and the United States in 2022|against the West Indies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wi-vs-ind-odi-series-2022-shikhar-dhawan-to-lead-india-in-west-indies-odis-ravindra-jadeja-named-vice-captain-1323376|title=Shikhar Dhawan to lead India in West Indies ODIs|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=6 July 2022}}</ref> He scored his maiden ODI half-century in the second match of the series. His 99-run partnership with [[Shreyas Iyer]] in the fourth wicket set the foundation for India's victory.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Axar Patel leaves jaws on the floor as India win cliffhanger |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-in-west-indies-2022-1317885/west-indies-vs-india-2nd-odi-1317901/match-report |access-date=25 July 2022 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> On 29 July 2022, he was added to India's [[Twenty 20 International]] (T20I) squad, also for their series against West Indies, after [[KL Rahul]] tested positive for [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/123265/sanju-samson-replaces-kl-rahul-for-west-indies-t20is |title=Sanju Samson replaces KL Rahul for West Indies T20Is|work=Cricbuzz|date=29 July 2022|access-date=29 July 2022}}</ref> The same month, he was named in India's [[One Day International]] (ODI) squad for their series [[Indian cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2022|against Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/zim-vs-ind-2022-deepak-chahar-returns-after-injury-layoff-for-india-s-odi-series-in-zimbabwe-1326910|title=Deepak Chahar returns after long injury layoff for ODI series in Zimbabwe|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=30 July 2022}}</ref> In the second ODI against Zimbabwe, he scored an unbeaten 43 and took three catches and was declared the man of the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/field/1030942/watch-zimbabwe-vs-india-sanju-samsons-unbeaten-43-secures-odi-series-win-for-india|title=Watch, Zimbabwe vs India: Sanju Samson's unbeaten 43 secures ODI series win for India|work=Scroll.in|date=21 August 2022|access-date=25 August 2022|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2022, he was named in India's squad [[South African cricket team in India in 2022–23|against South Africa]] for three ODIs.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=3 October 2022|title=India's squad for ODI series against SA announced|url=https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2022/news/55555935/india-s-squad-for-odi-series-against-sa-announced|website=Board of Control for Cricket in India}}</ref> He scored an unbeaten 86 runs off 63 balls in the first ODI, but ended up in the losing side.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=14 October 2022|title=Miller, Klaasen, seamers help South Africa earn crucial World Cup Super League points|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/south-africa-in-india-2022-23-1327499/india-vs-south-africa-1st-odi-1327509/match-report|website=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref>

Samson made his [[Champions League Twenty20]] debut for [[Rajasthan Royals]] against the [[Mumbai Indians]] on 21 September 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2013-14-629521/rajasthan-royals-vs-mumbai-indians-1st-match-group-a-654341/full-scorecard|work=ESPNcricinfo|title=1st Match, Group A (N), Jaipur, Sep 21 2013, Champions League Twenty20}}</ref> and scored 54 off 47 balls, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in CLT20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/champions-league-twenty20-2013-14-629521/rajasthan-royals-vs-mumbai-indians-1st-match-group-a-654341/match-report|work=ESPNcricinfo|title=Royals keep home streak going with comfortable win}}</ref> He was retained by Rajasthan ahead of the 2014 season.<ref name=rr>{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2014/content/story/708569.html |title=Royals retain Samson, Binny, Rahane, Watson, Faulkner |first=Nagraj |last=Gollapudi |date=10 January 2014 |publisher=ESPN |work=Cricinfo |access-date=10 January 2014 }}</ref>

In 2016, [[Delhi Capitals]] signed Samson<ref>{{cite news|title=List of players sold and unsold at IPL auction 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2016/content/story/969473.html|access-date=19 April 2016|work=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> after Rajasthan was banned from the competition for two years after being found guilty in illegal betting and match-fixing probe.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-33517583|publisher=[[BBC News]]|title=IPL scandal: Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals suspended|date=14 May 2015 |access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref> He scored his maiden T20 century against [[Rising Pune Supergiants]] during the [[2017 Indian Premier League]].<ref name="Samson100">{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2017/content/story/1091719.html |title=Samson's maiden ton razes Rising Pune |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=12 April 2017}}</ref>

He returned to Rajasthan in the [[List of 2018 Indian Premier League personnel changes|2018 IPL auction]]<ref name="IPL2018">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22218394/ipl-2018-player-auction-list-sold-unsold-players |title=List of sold and unsold players |access-date=27 January 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He scored his second IPL century in the [[2019 Indian Premier League|next season]], hitting an unbeaten 102* against [[Sunrisers Hyderabad]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/report/1175363/sunrisers-hyderabad-vs-rajasthan-royals-8th-match-indian-premier-league-2019|title=Samson ton in vain after Warner-Bairstow fireworks |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> During the 2020 season, Sanju scored a 32-ball 74 against [[Chennai Super Kings]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sanju Samson, Steven Smith, Jofra Archer help Rajasthan Royals win battle of sixes|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/report/1216496/rajasthan-royals-vs-chennai-super-kings-4th-match-indian-premier-league-2020-21|access-date=2020-12-04|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en}}</ref> He led Rajasthan to the highest successful run chase in IPL history with 85 runs from 42 balls against [[Kings XI Punjab]] in the next match.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rahul Tewatia and Sanju Samson pull off a record chase in stunning Rajasthan Royals win|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8048/report/1216527/rajasthan-royals-vs-kings-xi-punjab-9th-match-indian-premier-league-2020-21|access-date=2020-12-04|website=www.espncricinfo.com|language=en}}</ref> He played his 100th IPL match, later in the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.jagran.com/cricket/ipl-2020-sanju-samson-becomes-secondyoungest-player-after-virat-kohli-to-achieve-this-feat-in-ipl-10018045|title=IPL2020- Sanju Samson becomes second-youngest player after Virat Kohli to achieve this feat in IPL|work=jagran|date=11 October 2020}}</ref>

| quote = "You're a captain when you're fielding, not when you're batting".

| salign = right

| source = — Sanju Samson on an interview with [[ESPN Cricinfo]] before [[2021 Indian Premier League|IPL 2021]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2021-sanju-samson-you-re-a-captain-when-you-re-fielding-not-when-you-re-batting-1258096|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|title=IPL 2021: Sanju Samson "You're a captain when you're fielding, not when you're batting"}}</ref>

In January 2021, Samson was named the captain of [[Rajasthan Royals]] ahead of the [[2021 Indian Premier League]].<ref name="Captain">{{Cite web|title=Sanju Samson named Rajasthan Royals captain for IPL 2021|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sanju-samson-named-rajasthan-royals-captain-for-ipl-2021-1248625|access-date=2021-01-20|website=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He scored a century in his first match as captain, becoming the first IPL captain to achieve the feat.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Punjab Kings snatch thrilling victory as KL Rahul 91 trumps Sanju Samson 119|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/ipl-2021-1249214/rajasthan-royals-vs-punjab-kings-4th-match-1254061/match-report|access-date=12 April 2021|work=ESPN Cricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He completed 3000 runs in IPL later in the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/ipl-2021/story/sanju-samson-completes-3000-ipl-runs-and-takes-orange-cap-from-shikhar-dhawan-srh-vs-rr-match-40-1857944-2021-09-27|title=SRH vs RR: Sanju Samson 19th batsman to complete 3000 IPL runs, tops list of highest scorers in 2021 season|first=Rohan|last=Sen|date=27 September 2021|access-date=27 September 2021|work=India Today}}</ref>

In November 2021, he was retained by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the [[2022 Indian Premier League]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dhoni, Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah, Russell retained; Rahul, Rashid opt to go into auction pool|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2022-ms-dhoni-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-jasprit-bumrah-andre-russell-retained-kl-rahul-rashid-khan-leave-1291747|access-date=30 November 2021|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> Samson surpassed [[Ajinkya Rahane]] to become the all-time leading run-scorer for Rajasthan during the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/sport/ipl-2022-sanju-samson-now-highest-run-scorer-for-rajasthan-royals/970739/|title=IPL 2022: Sanju Samson now highest run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals|work=The Print|date=25 May 2022|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> Rajasthan went on to play the finals and finished as the runners-up under his leadership.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/ipl-final-2022-gt-vs-rr-rajasthan-royals-captain-sanju-samson-proud-of-his-team-despite-losing-title-to-gujarat-titans/articleshow/91884353.cms|title=IPL Final 2022, GT vs RR: Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson 'proud' of his team despite losing title to Gujarat Titans|work=The Times of India|date=30 May 2022|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref>

== Playing style ==

Sanju is a naturally aggressive and elegant batsman<ref name="InExpress">{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/sanju-samson-rajasthan-royals-vs-punjab-kings-ipl-2021-7271532/|work=Indian Express|title=Explained: What makes Sanju Samson a dangerous T20 batsman?|date=15 April 2021|first=Vishal|last=Menon}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ipl-2022-rcb-vs-rr-the-thing-that-makes-sanju-samson-special-1316814|title=The thing that makes Sanju Samson special|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/ipl/gorgeous-batsman-and-a-gritty-calm-leader-dreamy-ipl-season-accelerates-evolution-of-sanju-samson-7943283/|title=Gorgeous batsman and a gritty calm leader: Dreamy IPL season accelerates evolution of Sanju Samson|work=Indian Express|date=30 May 2022 |access-date=30 May 2022}}</ref> who is hailed as a natural talent with quality batting techniques and wicket-keeping skills.<ref name="Cricbuzz">{{cite web|url=https://m.cricbuzz.com/profiles/8271/sanju-samson|work=Cricbuzz|title=Sanju Samson|access-date=6 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/who-after-ms-dhoni-kl-rahul-first-choice-wicketkeeper-ishan-kishan-sanju-samson-give-tough-competition-to-rishabh-pant-3074381.html|work=News18|title=Who After MS Dhoni? KL Rahul First-Choice WicketKeeper, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson Give Tough Competition to Rishabh Pant|date=13 November 2020|access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref> He holds the bat high on the handle and keeps a loose shoulder,<ref name="INdExpress">{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/india-miss-a-trick-sanju-samson-was-the-best-no-5-option-for-t20-world-cup-8196851/|work=Indian Express|title=India miss a trick, Sanju Samson was the best No.5 option for T20 World Cup|date=8 October 2022 |access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> and is equipped with fast hands, powerful forearms and excellent hand-eye coordination.<ref name="InExpress"/><ref name="espn"/> He is considered an excellent timer of the ball<ref name="SIFY">{{cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/sports/samson-gets-ahead-in-rivalry-with-pant-but-bias-accusations-are-exaggerated---news-cricket-ujys68hfiijhi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924234344/https://www.sify.com/sports/samson-gets-ahead-in-rivalry-with-pant-but-bias-accusations-are-exaggerated---news-cricket-ujys68hfiijhi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 September 2020|title=Samson gets ahead in rivalry with Pant but bias accusations are exaggerated|work=Sify|access-date=27 June 2021|date=25 September 2020|first=Prateek|last=Srivastava}}</ref> who mostly sticks to his range between [[Fielding (cricket)#Fielding position names and locations|cover]] and [[Fielding (cricket)#Fielding position names and locations|fine-leg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/ipl/express-ipl/2021/apr/14/sanjus-big-bang-theory-2289795.html|title=Sanju Samson's big bang theory|author=Venkata Krishna B|work=Express News Service|date=14 April 2021}}</ref> He prefers to stay still at the crease and rarely moves down the track to play shots.<ref name="InExpress"/> He has the ability to play straight and prefers to hit straight over the bowler's head.<ref name="InExpress"/> He can play aerial shots without moving his head.<ref name="SIFY"/>

| quote = "There’s not much feet movement – only when he has to step out. Otherwise, he stays still, maintains balance and that’s why he manages to transfer his weight well and get his timing right.”

| salign = right

| source = — [[Akash Chopra]] analysing Samson's batting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketaddictor.com/south-africa-tour-of-india-2022/ind-vs-sa-sanju-samson-has-fans-everywhere-makes-batting-look-so-easy-aakash-chopra/|publisher=Cricket Addictor|title=IND vs SA: "Sanju Samson Has Fans Everywhere, Makes Batting Look So Easy"- Aakash Chopra |date=7 October 2022 }}</ref>

His power has been compared to powerful stroke-makers such as [[Rohit Sharma]] and [[AB de Villiers]] who can middle the ball to play shots with seemingly minimal effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/field/973823/ipl-2020-time-for-sanju-samson-to-convert-his-spark-into-a-season-of-brilliance|work=scroll.in|title=Time for Sanju Samson to convert his spark into a season of brilliance|access-date=23 September 2020|first=Aditya|last=Chaturvedi|date=23 September 2020}}</ref> His batting style has been described as "fearless" in Twenty20 cricket.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2020/01/31/new-zealand-india-t20i-sanju-samson-virat-kohli.html|work=onmanorama|title=Sanju was fearless, should back himself: Kohli|access-date=31 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.crictracker.com/sanju-samson-reckless-or-selfless/|title=Sanju Samson- reckless or selfless|work=Crictracker|date=7 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wisden.com/series-stories/india-v-england/sanju-samsons-omission-from-the-t20i-side-is-a-step-backwards|work=Wisden|title=Sanju Samson's omission from the T20I side is a step backwards|date=21 February 2021}}</ref> However, he has a weakness in rotating strike.<ref name="INdExpress" />

He is also an athletic fielder<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/buzz-sanju-samson-fielding-ind-vs-aus-3rd-t20i-fans-cant-get-enough-of-sanju-samsons-sensational-fielding-effort-3157094.html|work=news18|title=Fans can't get enough of Sanju Samson's sensational fielding effort|date=8 December 2020|access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand-sanju-samson-saves-certain-six-with-spectacular-fielding-effort-watch/story-xIRiBtsAwidsf2SykCukQM.html|title=India vs New Zealand: Sanju Samson saves certain six with spectacular fielding effort – WATCH|work=Hindustan Times|date=2 February 2020 |access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.india.com/sports/india-vs-australia-3rd-t20i-superman-sanju-samson-wows-fans-with-flying-effort-4252364/|title=3rd T20: Superman Sanju Samson wows fans with flying effort again|work=India.com|date=8 December 2020}}</ref> who generally fields in the outfield,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/5-wicketkeepers-who-are-also-great-outfielders|title=5 wicketkeepers who are also great outfielders |date=1 November 2017|work=Sports Keeda}}</ref> but is flexible to field in any position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/india-australia-superman-sanju-saves-a-six/20201208.htm|title=Superman Sanju saves a six|first=Harish|last=Kotian|date=8 December 2020|access-date=18 February 2022|work=Rediff.com}}</ref> He has been often criticized for being inconsistent over the years.<ref name="News18"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://caughtatpoint.com/2020/10/08/problems-challenges-sanju-samson-batsman/|work=caughtatpoint|title=When Will It Be The Year Or Season Of Sanju Samson?|access-date=8 October 2020|first=Sahil|last=Jain|date=8 October 2020}}</ref> He has also been often criticized for his shot selections<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/sanju-samson-needs-to-give-himself-more-time-says-sunil-gavaskar/amp_articleshow/86426994.cms|title= Sanju Samson needs to give himself more time, says Sunil Gavaskar|work=The Times of India|date=22 September 2021|access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="InExpress"/> and temperament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsadda.com/cricket/opinions/inconsistent-sanju-samson-needs-to-develop-temperament-indian-t20-league-rajasthan|work=sportsadda|title=Sanju Samson needs to develop temperament|access-date=10 October 2020|first=Rohit|last=Shankar|date=10 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sanju-samson-finally-begins-to-fan-his-spark-into-a-flame-1143404|title=Sanju Samson finally begins to fan his spark into a flame|first=Sreshth|last=Shah|date=16 April 2018|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=27 June 2021}}</ref><ref name="Cricbuzz"/>

As of 2016, Sanju is working as the manager of [[Bharat Petroleum]], [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref name="mathrubhumi"/> In 2018, he started a sports academy, namely "Six Guns Sports Academy", devoted to cricket and football training for young players in Thiruvananthapuram.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket/sanju-samson-sports-academy/|work=Cricket Addictor|title=Sanju Samson opens new sports academy in Thiruvananthapuram|author=Tahir Ibn Manzoor|date=2 March 2018|access-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627203632/https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket/sanju-samson-sports-academy/|archive-date=27 June 2021}}</ref> He was appointed as the State election icon of Kerala, ahead of the [[2021 Kerala Legislative Assembly election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/mobile/news-amp.php?id=505601&u|work=Kerala Kaumudi|title=EC asks to remove E Sreedharan's photo from posters, Sanju Samson will replace him|access-date=8 March 2021|date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117034714/https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news-amp.php?id=505601&u= |archive-date=17 November 2021}}</ref> In February 2023, [[Indian Super League]] club [[Kerala Blasters FC]] announced the appointment of Sanju as its brand ambassador to represent the club and its values on and off the field.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanju Samson becomes Kerala Blasters' brand ambassador, remembers father's connection with football |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/sports/football/sanju-samson-becomes-kerala-blasters-brand-ambassador-remembers-father-s-connection-with-football-1.8286419 |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=English.Mathrubhumi |language=en}}</ref>

===Personal life===

Sanju announced his marriage with his long-time girlfriend Charulatha Remesh, a native of [[Thiruvananthapuram]], on 8 September 2018 through his social media platforms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/sanju-samson-marriage-charu-college-classmate-1335873-2018-09-09|title=Sanju Samson announce marriage with classmate Charulatha|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=9 September 2018|date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923040121/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/sanju-samson-marriage-charu-college-classmate-1335873-2018-09-09|archive-date=23 September 2021}}</ref> The couple were college-mates from [[Mar Ivanios College]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/kochi/sanju-is-all-set-to-open-marital-innings-with-charu/amp_articleshow/65755055.cms|work=[[Times of India]]|title=Sanju is all set to open martial innings with Charu|last=U.R|first=Arya|date=11 September 2018|access-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117035121/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/sanju-is-all-set-to-open-marital-innings-with-charu/articleshow/65755055.cms|archive-date=17 November 2021}}</ref> The marriage took place in a private ceremony at [[Kovalam]] on 22 December 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sanju Samson and Charulatha's breathtaking Kovalam wedding: See photos|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/sanju-samson-wedding-pics-marriage-photos-charulatha-1415228-2018-12-22|date=22 December 2018|access-date=11 February 2022|work=[[India Today]]}}</ref> The wedding reception took place in [[Nalanchira]] on the same day with the only notable cricketer to attend being Sanju's former coach and mentor, [[Rahul Dravid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/photos-sanju-samson-wedding-reception-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-5505521/|title=PHOTOS: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Rahul Dravid attend Sanju Samson's wedding reception|work=[[Indian Express]]|date=22 December 2018|access-date=29 October 2020|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211117035407/https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/photos-sanju-samson-wedding-reception-kerala-cm-pinarayi-vijayan-5505521/ |archive-date=17 November 2021}}</ref>

==Notes==

{{reflist|group=Note}}

* [https://wisden.com/players/sanju-samson Sanju Samson] at [[Wisden India]]

[[Category:Kerala cricketers]]

[[Category:Kolkata Knight Riders cricketers]]

[[Category:Indian A cricketers]]

[[Category:Indian cricketers]]