Indian wicket-keeper Sanju Samson rings his 25th birthday on Monday. Born on November 11, 1995, Samson is a solid batsman in the middle order and a capable wicket-keeper too. The right-handed batsman has been one of the most prolific run-scorer in the Indian domestic circuit and now is around the national team as well. Samson represents Kerela in the domestic circuit and has played a crucial role in the side’s recent success. He has also proved his mettle in the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he plays for Rajasthan Royals and has smashed some of the best bowlers in the world. Sanju Samson Missed by Netizens for Not Being Part of India vs Bangladesh 2nd T20I 2019.

In fact, it was the IPL only where the batsman first came in limelight. In the 2013 edition of the cash-rich league, he scored a blistering half-century in his maiden outing and announced his arrival. Since then, there was no turning back for the youngster as he mustered runs in all the formats of the game. He also went on to represent the national side and was also part of India's squad in the recently concluded India vs Bangladesh T20I series. With MS Dhoni going on a long sabbatical from cricket and Rishabh Pant failing continuously behind the stumps, Samson will fancy his chance to get an opportunity soon. Meanwhile, let’s look at five of the best knocks played by the Kerela-born cricketer. Sanju Samson Smashes Record-Breaking Double Century in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019.

212 Against Goa in Alur

The wicket-keeper batsman wreaked havoc on the Goa bowlers in the 2019 Vijay Hazare Trophy and brought up his highest List A score. Coming to bat at number three after the early fall of Robin Uthappa, Samson attacked the opposition from the outset and rained fours and sixes. He went on to score 212 runs which is the highest individual score by a wicket-keeper in List A cricket. His knock made the encounter a mere one-sided affair as Kerela won the match by 104 runs.

102 Against Rising Pune Supergiant in Pune

The right-handed batsman played a gem of an innings in IPL 2017 and completely turned the table into his team’s favour. Playing for Delhi Daredevils, Samson came after the fall of an early wicket and tried to steady the ship. After assessing the conditions well, Samson adopted the aggressive approach and smashed the likes of  Adam Zampa and Imran Tahir. He registered his maiden IPL hundred as Daredevils posted 205 in the first innings. In reply, Pune never looked in the competition and lost the match by 97 runs.

102 Against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad

Another Samson special was seen in the 2019 edition of the IPL where he played a terrific knock and scored a flabbergasting century. Playing for Rajasthan Royals (RR), Samson brilliantly tackled the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan, and gave his side the upper hand in the match. He went on to score his second IPL ton and helped RR post 198 runs in the first innings. However, his efforts went in vain as the Hyderabad side clinched the match by five wickets.

211 Against Assam in Guwahati

Known for his blitz in limited-over format, Samson has played many staggering knocks in the longest format of the game too. In the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy, Samson displayed great resilience against Assam and avoid his side from facing a defeat. Despite not getting much support from another end, the batsman kept going and went on to score his maiden double ton in First-Class cricket. His innings helped Kerela to score 362 in their first innings and the match resulted in a draw.

91 Against South Africa ‘A’ in Thiruvananthapuram

The fifth unofficial ODI of South Africa ‘A’ became was affected due to rain and became a 20-over affair. The pitch looked damp and on the slower side. However, Samson never let the Proteas take advantage of the track as he dismantled the visitors and played a sensational knock in his home ground. His innings powered India A to 204 runs in the first innings. The South Africans tried to make a fightback in the chase but failed to do so and lost the match by 36 runs.

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 being just one year away, Samson will look to capitalize on every opportunity he gets and secure a spot in the Indian squad for the showpiece tournament. The batsman will be eyeing to put up a good show in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League in order to guide his side to the title and get a national call-up as well.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 11, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).