Indian cricketer Sanju Samson was born on November 11, 1994. The Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter is now 32 years old today. Elegant strokeplay, big sixes and the ability to change a match with his batting have been some of Samson’s memorable performances in cricket so far.
On his birthday let’s look back at some of the best innings that have made him one of India’s most exciting white-ball batters.
1. Unbeaten 212 Against Goa – Vijay Hazare Trophy, 2019
One of Samson’s best performances came in Vijay Hazare Trophy (October 2019) when he represented Kerala against Goa. He made an unbeaten 212 off just 129 balls.
His innings had 21 sixes and 12 fours as Kerala amassed a big total. It was that knock which made Samson known as batter who can perform out of the box in domestic cricket.
It was also the then highest individual List A score by an Indian wicketkeeper.
2. Sensational 119 Against Punjab Kings – IPL 2021
Samson had another memorable performance in his Rajasthan Royals captaincy debut against Punjab Kings on 12 April 2021.
Chasing a difficult target he made 119 runs off just 63 balls (12 fours, seven sixes).
Rajasthan Royals lost the match by four runs but Samson’s innings was applauded. His ability to keep the chase alive until the last delivery made it one of the most entertaining IPL performances of that season.
3. Maiden ODI Century Against South Africa – 2023
Samson got another big milestone on December 21, 2023 when India played South Africa in the deciding ODI at Paarl.
Batting under pressure he scored 108 runs from 114 balls and India finished on 296/8.
India eventually won by 78 runs and took the series 2–1. The century was particularly special as it was Samson’s maiden hundred in international one-day cricket.
4. Explosive 111 Against Bangladesh – 2024
On 12 October 2024 Samson had a brilliant T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad.
He hit 111 runs in just 47 balls with 11 fours and eight sixes.
His innings helped India amass 297/6. India won by 133 runs in the end and Samson’s century was one of the highlights of the series.
5. Two memorable centuries against South Africa – 2024.
Samson continued his run of form in November 2024. He scored 107 off 50 balls in the first T20I against South Africa on 8 Nov.
After two ducks he came back with another century as he scored 109 off 56 balls in the fourth T20I on November 15.
These performances made him the first Indian batter to score three T20I centuries in a calendar year.
6. World Cup Knockout Heroics – 2026
Samson wrote another extraordinary chapter in his career during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
He scored an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in the Super Eight stage; then 89 against England in semi-final and another 89 against New Zealand in final.
His performances helped India win the World Cup and Samson was named Player of the Tournament.
Happy Birthday, Sanju Samson!
Whether it was domestic double century or match-winning performances in international cricket Samson’s story has been full of memorable moments.
On his 32nd birthday cricket fans will hope to see many more elegant and powerful innings from the Indian wicketkeeper-batter.
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