Sanju Samson Joins Elite 5,000-Run Club In IPL History

CHENNAI-Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson entered the record books by becoming the fastest Indian batter, in terms of balls faced, to reach 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League during his side’s match against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

The 31-year-old reached the milestone by hitting South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for a boundary in the second over. Rabada, however, dismissed Samson for 11 off 15 balls in the fourth over.

Samson became the 10th batter overall to cross 5,000 runs in IPL history, reaching the mark in 180 innings across 185 matches.

He took 3,555 balls to get there, making him the fastest Indian to the landmark by balls faced. Only a few overseas players have reached the milestone quicker, with former South Africa batter AB de Villiers leading the list.

During his IPL career, Samson has represented Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) and has captained Rajasthan Royals. He made his IPL debut in 2013 and has developed into one of the league’s most consistent performers.

Among players to score 5,000 IPL runs, Samson joins Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, K.L. Rahul, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane.

His IPL record now stands at 5,008 runs at an average of 31.69 and a strike rate of 140.59, including 31 fifties and five centuries.

His strongest association has been with Rajasthan Royals, for whom he has scored 4,027 runs in 149 matches at an average of 31.70, including two centuries and 23 fifties. Last season, he became the first player to cross 4,000 IPL runs for the franchise.

In the 2024 season, Samson enjoyed his most productive campaign, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27, his first 500-plus season.

In the ongoing 2026 season, he has scored 304 runs in eight matches at an average of 50.67 and a strike rate of 169.83. Both of his scores above 50 this season have been converted into centuries.

Across all T20 cricket, Samson has scored 8,704 runs in 338 matches at an average of 30.86, with eight hundreds and 54 fifties. (IANS)