As Sanju Samson celebrates his 30th birthday on November 11, 2024, the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter continues to make his mark on the international stage. With over 500 runs in ODIs and more than 700 runs in T20Is for India, Samson has showcased his versatility and consistency in both formats of the game. Known for his aggressive batting style and ability to play match-winning knocks, Samson’s performances have often been pivotal in securing victories for India.
Let’s take a closer look at three of his standout performances that have proven his worth for Team India, reflecting his skill, determination, and value in the squad.
1. A Match-Winning Knock Against South Africa (October 21, 2023)
In a thrilling encounter during the third ODI of India’s tour to South Africa in October 2023, Sanju Samson delivered one of his finest innings. Batting at Paarl, Samson’s 108-run knock off 114 balls was the cornerstone of India’s total of 296/8. His innings included 6 fours and 3 sixes, and his strike rate of 94.73 proved that he can accelerate the innings while anchoring the middle order.
Samson’s steady yet aggressive batting was critical in setting up a competitive total. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award as India went on to win the match by 78 runs, clinching the series 2-1. This innings not only underscored his capability as a finisher but also reaffirmed his potential to thrive in crucial situations.
2. A Blistering T20I Century Against Bangladesh (October 12, 2024)
Samson’s aggressive flair was on full display during the third T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in October 2024. The Kerala cricketer scored a stunning 111 runs off just 47 balls, leading India to a mammoth total of 297/6 in their 20 overs.
His blistering innings featured 11 fours and 8 sixes, and his strike rate of 236.17 was nothing short of phenomenal. This was one of the fastest and most explosive innings seen in T20I cricket, where Samson took charge of the game, giving India an insurmountable total. His match-winning performance earned him the Player of the Match award, and India cruised to a commanding 133-run victory. It was a performance that further demonstrated his ability to take on the world’s best with power-hitting and aggressive intent.
3. A Destructive Knock Against South Africa (November 8, 2024)
On November 8, 2024, during the 1st T20I against South Africa, Samson once again proved why he is an asset for India in the shortest format. Coming in to bat under pressure, Samson unleashed a magnificent 107 runs off just 50 balls. His innings featured a remarkable 10 sixes and 7 fours, with a staggering strike rate of 214.00.
Samson’s fireworks at the top of the order helped India post a challenging total of 202/8 in their 20 overs. His innings played a pivotal role in India’s 61-run victory. His ability to shift gears and dominate the bowling attack in the latter stages of the innings was a testament to his maturity and flair as a T20 batsman. This destructive knock earned him the Player of the Match award, further cementing his place as one of India’s top T20I hitters.
Sanju Samson’s IPL 2025: A Leader for Rajasthan Royals
As Sanju Samson enters his 30s, his journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to impress. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have retained him as their captain for IPL 2025, showing the trust the franchise has in his leadership and batting prowess. Alongside emerging talent Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson is set to lead the Royals into the new season. Samson’s IPL career has been marked by consistent performances and leadership that have made him a fan favorite and a key player for RR.
Why Sanju Samson Deserves More Recognition in Indian Cricket
Samson’s stats in international cricket are impressive: 510 runs from 16 ODIs at an average of 56.66 and 701 runs from 35 T20Is at an average of 25.03. While his batting style and consistency have often been questioned, his recent performances speak volumes about his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s anchoring the innings or accelerating towards the end, Samson’s adaptability across formats makes him a player to watch out for in the future.
As he turns 30, Sanju Samson is not just a dynamic batter but also an experienced campaigner who has proven his worth on multiple occasions for Team India. His aggressive batting and match-winning knocks continue to play an instrumental role in India’s victories, and he remains a key figure in India’s limited-overs future.
Conclusion
On his 30th birthday, Sanju Samson’s journey with Team India is far from over. His spectacular performances, from scoring centuries in T20Is to anchoring the middle order in ODIs, highlight his immense value to Indian cricket. As Samson continues to evolve as a cricketer, fans and analysts alike can look forward to more explosive innings and match-winning contributions from the Kerala dynamo in the years to come.
