Full Name: Sanju Viswanath Samson
Nickname: Sanju, Chetta
Date of Birth: 11 November 1994
Age: 31 Years (as of 2026)
Birthplace: Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Kerala, India
Hometown: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Profession: Professional Cricketer (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
Years Active: 2011 – Present
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Christian
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5’7” (Approx.)
Weight: 75 kg (Approx.)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Body Measurements: Chest: 40, Waist: 32, Biceps: 14 inches
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
Hobbies: Football, Traveling, Reading
Tattoos: None publicly visible
Father’s Name: Samson Viswanath (Former Delhi Police & Footballer)
Mother’s Name: Ligi Viswanath
Siblings: Saly Samson (Elder Brother)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Charulatha Remesh (Married 2018)
Children: N/A
Affairs / Relationships: Charulatha Remesh (College Sweetheart)
Instagram ID: @imsanjusamson
Instagram Followers: 15 Million+
Twitter (X): @IamSanjuSamson
Facebook: Sanju Samson Official
YouTube Channel: Sanju Samson (Occasional Content)
Introduction
Sanju Viswanath Samson is a name synonymous with elegance, power, and a quiet resilience that has captured the hearts of millions of cricket fans globally. As of March 2026, he stands as one of the most destructive and technically gifted wicketkeeper-batsmen in world cricket. Known for his "effortless" six-hitting ability and calm leadership, Sanju has transitioned from a promising teenage prodigy to a seasoned international star. Whether leading the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL or steering the Indian national team to crucial victories, his journey remains a testament to staying true to one's roots while conquering the global stage.
🔥 Special Record: T20 World Cup 2026 (Today)
On March 1, 2026, Sanju Samson etched his name in history during the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against the West Indies at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
- The "Samson Special": Sanju smashed an unbeaten 97* off just 50 balls, leading India to a successful chase of 196.
- Breaking Kohli's Record: His 97* is now the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup run chase, surpassing Virat Kohli’s legendary 82* (2016 vs Australia & 2022 vs Pakistan).
- Historic Chase: This marked India’s highest-ever successful run chase in T20 World Cup history.
- Tournament Impact: This heroic knock officially propelled India into the Semi-Finals of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Early Life & Childhood
Sanju was born in the coastal village of Pulluvila, Kerala, but spent his initial years in North Delhi. His father, Samson Viswanath, was a police constable with the Delhi Police and an accomplished footballer. It was in the parks of Delhi that Sanju first held a cricket bat. Interestingly, after he was not selected for the Delhi Under-13 team, his father took a courageous step—resigning from his job and moving the family back to Kerala to ensure Sanju and his brother Saly could focus entirely on cricket. This sacrifice became the foundation of Sanju's career, as he began training under the watchful eye of coach Biju George in Thiruvananthapuram.
Education Qualification
Despite his heavy involvement in professional sports from a young age, Sanju prioritized his education. He attended Rosary Senior Secondary School in Delhi before moving to St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram. He later pursued a degree in English Literature from the prestigious Mar Ivanios College. His academic background is often credited for his articulate nature and the calm, philosophical outlook he maintains during high-pressure matches.
Career Journey
Sanju's domestic career began with a bang for Kerala in the Ranji Trophy. He made his debut at just 17 and soon became a sensation in the 2013-14 season. His IPL journey began with the Rajasthan Royals in 2013, where he won the "Best Young Player" award. Over the years, he has played for the Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) but returned to his "home" franchise, Rajasthan Royals, where he was eventually appointed Captain in 2021. In the 2025/2026 cycle, Sanju remains one of the most valuable players in the league, recently fetching a massive ₹18 Crore retention/trade value.
Breakthrough Moment
While his 2013 IPL debut brought him fame, his true international breakthrough came during the 2024 season. He became the first Indian to score three T20I centuries in a single calendar year. This incredible feat silenced critics regarding his consistency and cemented his place as a primary choice for India’s white-ball squads. His leadership of Rajasthan Royals, taking them to the finals and consistently into the playoffs, also marked his evolution as a master strategist.
Major Works & Projects
Beyond the cricket field, Sanju is a prominent face in the sports industry. He is the Brand Ambassador for Kerala Blasters FC (ISL), bridging the gap between cricket and football in his home state. He has also been a face for various social initiatives, including serving as an Electoral Icon for the Kerala Legislative Assembly to encourage youth voting.
Awards & Achievements
- ICC T20 World Cup Winner (2024): Member of the victorious Indian squad.
- Asia Cup Winner (2025): Vital contributor to India's regional dominance.
- Youngest Wicketkeeper to 2,000 IPL Runs: A record achieved early in his career.
- Fastest Double Century in List-A Cricket: Scored 212* for Kerala against Goa.
- IPL Best Young Player (2013): Marking his arrival on the big stage.
Income, Fees & Net Worth
As of 2026, Sanju Samson's estimated net worth is approximately ₹85 Crore to ₹90 Crore ($10.5M - $11M USD).
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| IPL Salary | ₹18 Crore Per Annum |
| BCCI Central Contract | ₹1 Crore (Grade C) + Match Fees |
| Brand Endorsements | ₹5 - ₹7 Crore Per Annum |
Lifestyle, Assets & Cars
Sanju maintains a grounded yet luxurious lifestyle. He lives in a magnificent designer bungalow in Thiruvananthapuram valued at over ₹6 Crore. He has also diversified his wealth into real estate across Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Car Collection:
- Range Rover Sport (₹1.8 Crore)
- BMW 5 Series
- Audi A6
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Lexus ES 300h
Controversies & Criticism
Throughout his career, Sanju has faced criticism regarding his "inconsistency" and shot selection. However, he has handled these moments with immense grace, often stating that he prefers to play high-risk, high-reward cricket for the benefit of the team rather than playing for personal milestones. A minor disciplinary issue early in his career with the Kerala Cricket Association was settled amicably, and he has since emerged as a role model for discipline.
Lesser Known Facts
- Sanju wanted to be a footballer like his father before switching focus to cricket.
- He is a devout Christian and often visits local churches in Kerala for peace and reflection.
- He is known for his philanthropy, frequently donating to local sports academies in Kerala.
- Sanju is an avid reader and often carries books on leadership and philosophy during tours.
Public Image & Fan Following
Sanju Samson possesses one of the most loyal fan bases in Indian cricket, often referred to as the "Sanju Samson Army." Even when excluded from the national team in the past, fans would trend his name globally. He is admired for his humility, never speaking ill of selectors or teammates, and always crediting the process over the result.
Upcoming Projects & Future Goals
With the 2026 T20 World Cup currently in progress and India in the semi-finals, Sanju's immediate goal is to bring the trophy home. Looking ahead, he aims to cement his place in the Test squad and continue his successful leadership in the IPL, aiming for a second title for his franchise.
Disclaimer: This biography is written based on publicly available data, media reports, and current tournament statistics as of March 2026. Financial figures are estimates based on market reports.