Sanju Samson biography – Kerala’s elegant wicketkeeper-batsman who captains Rajasthan Royals. Discover his age, wife Charulatha, career records, IPL journey, T20 World Cup wins, and net worth.
Who is Sanju Samson?
Sanju Viswanath Samson stands among India’s most stylish wicketkeeper-batsmen, celebrated for his elegant strokeplay and explosive batting prowess. Born on 11 November 1994 in Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, this right-handed batsman has captivated cricket fans with his graceful yet powerful approach to the game.
At 31 years old in 2025, Sanju captains the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League whilst representing India in ODI and T20I formats. His remarkable achievements include winning two T20 World Cups (2024 and 2026), with his Player of the Tournament performance in 2026 cementing his status as a match-winner on cricket’s biggest stages.
What distinguishes Sanju from other cricketers is his technically sound batting combined with natural timing and the ability to accelerate scoring at will. Despite facing the frustrations of inconsistent international opportunities, he has remained patient, allowing his performances in domestic cricket and the IPL to speak louder than words.
His journey from Delhi’s police residential colonies to Kerala’s cricket grounds, and ultimately to international stardom, exemplifies perseverance and self-belief. Today, he represents the new generation of Indian cricketers who balance aggressive intent with tactical intelligence.
Essential Facts: Sanju Samson
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sanju Viswanath Samson |
| Date of Birth | 11 November 1994 |
| Age | 31 years |
| Birthplace | Pulluvila, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Role | Wicketkeeper-Batsman |
| IPL Team | Chennai Super Kings (2026), Previously Rajasthan Royals |
| Domestic Team | Kerala |
| International Debut | T20I: 2015, ODI: 2021 |
| Wife | Charulatha Remesh (m. 2018) |
| Jersey Number | 11 |
| Net Worth | ₹82-100 crore (2025) |
| Nickname | Sanju, Kerala Express |
Family Background and Early Years
Delhi Beginnings
Sanju Samson spent his formative years in a police residential colony in North Delhi, where his father Samson Viswanath worked as a constable in the Delhi Police. His mother Ligy Viswanath managed the household whilst his elder brother Saly Samson, also a cricketer, eventually chose a different career path, currently working in the Accountant General’s office.
Growing up in modest circumstances, the Samson family prioritized their children’s education and sporting interests despite financial limitations. Sanju’s father, a former footballer who played centre-forward for the Delhi Police team in the Santosh Trophy, understood the dedication required to succeed in sports and encouraged his son’s cricketing ambitions.
The Kerala Transformation
At age 14, Sanju made a life-changing decision to relocate to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to pursue serious cricket training. This move proved pivotal, as Kerala’s cricket infrastructure and coaching facilities provided him with the platform to develop his natural talent systematically.
Attending Rosary School initially and later Mar Ivanios College, Sanju immersed himself in Kerala’s cricket culture whilst maintaining his academic commitments. This period saw him blossom from a promising youngster into a prodigious talent who would soon make waves in junior cricket.
Meteoric Rise Through Junior Cricket
Under-13 Dominance
Sanju’s first major breakthrough came in 2007 when he captained the Kerala U-13 team in the KSCA Inter-State tournament. His performances were nothing short of sensational—scoring four centuries in five matches and amassing 973 runs at an astonishing average of 108.11. The Player of the Tournament award merely confirmed what observers already knew: Kerala had discovered a rare talent.
Youngest Ranji Selection
At just 14 years old, Sanju became the youngest cricketer selected by Kerala for the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic first-class tournament. This unprecedented early selection demonstrated the faith senior cricketers and selectors had in his abilities, despite his tender age.
Under-19 World Cup Performance
Sanju served as vice-captain of India’s Under-19 team during the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s sixth-highest run-scorer. His consistent performances at this level highlighted his solid technique and mental strength, traits that would serve him well in professional cricket.
Professional Cricket Journey
Domestic Breakthrough
Sanju made his first-class debut for Kerala on 3 November 2011 against Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy, aged just 17. He quickly justified his early selection with impactful performances, including two hundreds and a fifty in his second season.
The 2013-14 Ranji Trophy became his breakthrough domestic season, establishing him as Kerala’s premier batsman. His elegant strokeplay and ability to anchor innings whilst maintaining healthy scoring rates made him indispensable to Kerala’s batting lineup.
Record-Breaking Vijay Hazare Trophy
The 2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy witnessed Sanju’s most extraordinary domestic achievement. He scored a maiden double century and partnered with Sachin Baby in a record-breaking 338-run stand—the highest partnership in List A cricket history. This monumental achievement showcased his capacity for marathon innings and big scores.
IPL Evolution
Sanju’s IPL journey began with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012, though he didn’t feature in matches. Moving to Rajasthan Royals in 2013 proved transformative, as he accumulated over 4,500 runs across multiple seasons, establishing himself as the franchise’s batting cornerstone.
At 19, he won the IPL’s Best Young Player award in 2013 for scoring 206 runs and taking 13 catches. His three IPL centuries and consistent performances eventually earned him the captaincy in 2021, making him one of the youngest IPL captains.
In a blockbuster move, Chennai Super Kings acquired Sanju for the 2026 season in a high-profile trade, reportedly worth ₹18 crore, pairing him with MS Dhoni’s legacy franchise.
International Career
Sanju’s international debut came in T20Is in 2015, but consistent opportunities remained elusive for years. His ODI debut arrived in 2021, with his maiden half-century (77 off 42 balls) coming against Ireland in June 2022. That innings saw him partner Deepak Hooda for a record 176-run stand—India’s highest T20I partnership for any wicket at that time.
The year 2024 marked his international breakthrough. He became the first player to score three T20I centuries in a single calendar year, including back-to-back hundreds against South Africa. His T20 World Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026, culminating in a Player of the Tournament award in 2026, validated his patience and perseverance.
Marriage to Charulatha Remesh
College Romance to Lifelong Partnership
Sanju met Charulatha Remesh during their college days at Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram. After a five-year courtship, they married on 22 December 2018 in an intimate ceremony at Kovalam attended by approximately 30 close family members and friends.
Their marriage was registered under the Special Marriage Act, as Sanju comes from a Christian background whilst Charulatha is a Hindu Nair. This inter-faith union reflected their progressive outlook and mutual respect for each other’s traditions.
Charulatha’s Professional Life
Charulatha is an accomplished professional in her own right. She holds a Master’s degree from Loyola College of Social Sciences and has built a career as an entrepreneur and HR professional. Unlike many celebrity spouses, she maintains a low profile, focusing on her professional pursuits whilst supporting Sanju’s cricket career.
Her Instagram presence (@charulathaa_remesh) offers occasional glimpses into their travels, family moments, and her attendance at IPL matches, where she’s often spotted cheering for Sanju. As of 2025, the couple does not have children, choosing to focus on their respective careers.
Financial Success and Lifestyle
Net Worth Components
As of 2025, Sanju Samson’s estimated net worth ranges between ₹82-100 crore, accumulated through multiple revenue streams. His IPL contracts form the largest component, with his ₹18 crore Chennai Super Kings deal placing him among cricket’s highest-paid Indians.
His BCCI Grade C contract adds ₹1 crore annually, supplemented by match fees of ₹3 lakh per T20I and ₹6 lakh per ODI. Brand endorsements with Walkmate, Gillette, Unimoni India, BharatPe, and Kerala Blasters FC as brand ambassador contribute significantly to his earnings.
Real Estate Portfolio
Sanju has invested wisely in real estate, owning a stunning ₹6 crore bungalow in Thiruvananthapuram where he resides with Charulatha. He reportedly owns additional properties in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, diversifying his property investments across major Indian cities.
Luxury Car Collection
His passion for luxury automobiles is evident in his impressive collection: a Range Rover Sport (₹1.64-1.84 crore), BMW 5 Series (₹52-69 lakh), Audi A6 (₹60-66 lakh), and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (₹55-61 lakh). These vehicles reflect his success whilst maintaining a tasteful approach to lifestyle spending.
Social Initiatives
Beyond personal wealth, Sanju founded the Six Guns Sports Academy in Thiruvananthapuram in 2018, training young players in cricket and football. This initiative demonstrates his commitment to nurturing grassroots talent in his adopted home state.
Notable Achievements and Records
International Cricket Milestones
Domestic Cricket Records
IPL Achievements
Beyond Cricket
Sanju’s influence extends beyond cricket boundaries. His appointment as Kerala’s State Election Icon ahead of the 2021 Legislative Assembly elections recognized his youth appeal and clean image. In 2023, Kerala Blasters FC named him brand ambassador, whilst in October 2025, he became India’s brand ambassador for the English Premier League.
Interestingly, Sanju worked as a manager at Bharat Petroleum in Thiruvananthapuram in 2016, demonstrating his practical approach to maintaining stability beyond cricket’s uncertainties.
Common Questions About Sanju Samson
How old is Sanju Samson in 2025?
Sanju Samson is 31 years old as of 2025, having been born on 11 November 1994.
Who is Sanju Samson’s wife?
His wife is Charulatha Remesh, an entrepreneur and HR professional whom he married on 22 December 2018 after five years of courtship.
What is Sanju Samson’s IPL team in 2026?
Sanju plays for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 after being traded from Rajasthan Royals in a high-profile move worth ₹18 crore.
Does Sanju Samson have any children?
As of 2025, Sanju and Charulatha do not have children and are focusing on their respective careers.
What is Sanju Samson’s net worth?
His estimated net worth ranges between ₹82-100 crore as of 2025, earned through IPL contracts, international cricket, endorsements, and business investments.
Why did Sanju Samson move from Delhi to Kerala?
At age 14, Sanju moved to Kerala seeking better cricket training facilities and opportunities to develop his talent under Kerala’s superior cricket infrastructure and coaching.
