Sanju Samson is one of Indian cricket's most beloved and explosive talents, known for his elegant strokeplay and fearless hitting. But beyond the boundary ropes and highlight reels, what shaped the man? Here are five things many fans never knew.
His Father's Ultimate Sacrifice
Long before
he was a cricket star, Sanju's future was shaped by a pivotal decision from his father, Samson Viswanath. A former police constable and talented footballer who represented Delhi in the Santosh Trophy, his father saw the cricketing spark in his sons. When a young Sanju was not selected for the Delhi U-13 team, his father took a bold step: he took voluntary retirement from his job and moved the entire family from Delhi back to their home state of Kerala. This immense sacrifice was made to ensure Sanju and his brother received better coaching and opportunities. It was a gamble that put his son's dream ahead of his own established career, a decision that ultimately paved the way for Sanju's journey to the top.
An Aspiring Policeman Who Loved Football
Cricket wasn't the only path Sanju considered. In his younger days, he expressed a desire to follow in his father's footsteps and become an IPS officer. But an even bigger passion was football, a sport that runs deep in Kerala. His father was a footballer, and Sanju grew up as an admirer of the game, citing legends like Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi as his idols. While many young cricketers live and breathe the sport from day one, Samson's interests were broader. He has mentioned that he loves to score goals, revealing a different kind of sporting ambition before cricket became his ultimate calling. It's a fascinating 'what if' for a player now known for clearing the boundary rope instead of finding the back of the net.
The Under-19 Leadership Role
While his senior team career has had its ups and downs, Samson was identified as a leader from a very young age. Many fans remember his explosive entry into the IPL, but fewer recall his significant role in the national youth setup. Sanju was appointed the vice-captain of the Indian squad for the 2014 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Playing alongside future stars, he was a key figure in the team's leadership group and was also India's top run-scorer in the tournament, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage even as a teenager. This early responsibility highlights that his cricketing intelligence and leadership qualities were recognized by selectors long before he became a captain in the IPL.
A Record-Breaking Captain and Run-Scorer
Sanju's name is attached to several unique records that often fly under the radar. When he was appointed captain of Rajasthan Royals in 2021, he made an immediate impact by scoring a century in his very first match as skipper, becoming the first player in IPL history to do so. He was also the youngest player to captain a Ranji Trophy side for a full season when he led Kerala in 2015-16. Furthermore, in List A cricket, he holds the record for the highest individual score by a wicketkeeper batsman, a monumental 212 not out in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. These aren't just runs; they are records that underscore his rare ability to combine leadership with extraordinary performance.
Giving Back Beyond the Boundary
Off the field, Samson is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent. He established the Sanju Samson Foundation, which is involved in multiple community and sports initiatives. The foundation runs a cricket academy in Thiruvananthapuram to provide worldclass coaching to young, aspiring cricketers, especially those from underserved backgrounds. Beyond cricket, his foundation has launched significant educational initiatives, including a scholarship program to help 1,000 students prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He has also adopted promising young athletes in other sports, providing them with financial support and professional coaching to help them compete at the national level. This shows a passion for building a legacy that extends far beyond his personal achievements on the pitch.
