10 things you didn't know about Sanju Samson

Every Indian cricket fan islooking up to Sanju Samson as the possible replacement for Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the international team. The youngster has been showing plenty of promise that made legends like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar heap praise on the individual.Samson, who idolizes Dravid,isonly the fourth cricketer from Kerala to get selected for the Indian team. The cricketer will be travelling to England for a five-match ODI series and a one off T20 match against the host.He are some facts aboutthe upcoming star that you might not have known:

#1 Ambition is to become an IPS officer

The 19-year-old is completely involved in cricket at the moment, but, his Kerala team coach Biju George has recently revealed that his ward aims to serve the country as an IPS officer in future.

“Sanju wants to play for India in white flannels but his aim in life is to become an IPS officer. I’m sure he is capable of achieving his dream,” he said in an interview.

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#2 Youngest to earn an IPL contract in crores

When Rajasthan Royals offered the talented cricketer a contract renewal in 2014, Samson at 19 years and 58 days became the youngest player to be paid in crores for the cash rich event.

The teenager was retained by the franchise ahead of the auction that puts his value as 4 crores as per IPL retention regulations. It can be remembered that his career began with a 10 Lakh IPL contract with the same team in 2013.

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#3 Formerly with Kolkata Knight Rider

The young prodigy who came into the limelight with the Royals was first with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Shahrukh Khan’s franchise must be ruing themselves to lose a player of his standard without even giving him a chance to perform.

Ever since he debuted against Kings XI Punjab in 2013, his reputation and popularity is consistently on the rise and several foreign players have rated him highly.

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#4 The youngest half-centurion in IPL

Samson scored a 41-ball 63 in his second match against RCB in the IPL tournament. Apart from impressing the critics and commentators with his fluent stroke play, at 18 years and 169 days, the Kerala-lad also became the youngest to register a fifty in the grand tournament that involves many world class players.

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#5 Youngest to score a 50 in CLT20

After impressing everyone with his skills in the 2013 edition of IPL, he made sure that the world takes note of his talent when he smashed his maiden Champions League T20 half century on his debut. He also became the youngest to the landmark with his knock of 54.

His sensational 60 from 33 balls in the final against Mumbai Indians raised hopes of a maiden CLT20 triumph before a batting failure ended his team’s chances.

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#6 His father\'s contribution to cricket

The youngster is very fortunate to have a family that is completely behind his every move. You may be surprised to hear that Samson Vishwanath – Sanju’s father voluntarily resigned his post as a Police constable in Delhi, to help his son’s career shape up well.

The wicket-keeper batsman was not included in the Delhi Under-13 squad after which his family moved to Vizhinjam, Kerala, which paved the pathway to cricket glory.

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#7 Century on Under-13 debut

Samson made the best of his maiden oppourtunity for Kerala. He scored a century on his Under-13 debut for his adopted state as captain. The skipper blasted a total of 4 tons out of just five matches in the South Zone Under-13 tournament. It was the first big success for Samson in the sport.

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#8 Ranji call-up at the age of 15

His exploits in the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy (South Zone) acted as the cornerstone for his entry into the Kerala Ranji side. His unbeaten 200 in just 138 balls against Goa forced the state selectors to pick him.

The teenager finished the tournament as the highest run scorer at the all-India level.

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#9 Hundred v Pakistan in Under-19 Asia Cup final

In the 2013 Under-19 Asia Cup held in UAE, Samson’s century from just 87 balls helped India beat Pakistan to win the trophy. His knock included eight boundaries and four sixes that helped India post 314 for 8. Pakistan managed only 274/9 in reply to India’s total.

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#10 Impressive showing at the Under-19 World Cup in 2014

A fine half century in the group stage match of the 2014 Under-19 World Cup against traditional rivals Pakistan guided India to a winning total of 262. India faced defeat after Pakistan reduced India to 64/4. Samson led India’s recovery with Sarfaraz Khan (74) to help India beat the eternal enemy.

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