‘Emerging Player of the Year’ across the 10 seasons of the IPL

2013: Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)

Samson can double up as a wicketkeeper as well

Sanju Samson is one of the most exciting young talents in the country. The 23-year-old Kerala batsman rose to fame in the 2013 season where he represented the Rajasthan Royals. The Royals have traditionally been a franchise that nurtures budding local Indian talent rather than depending on superstars for their success. So was the case with the then 18-year-old Samson.

He was given ample opportunities as he got to feature in 11 of their matches. It was in a league match against RCB that the right hander scored a 41-ball 63 to propel his team to victory, in the process making him the youngest cricketer in the history of the league to score a half century.

He finished the season with 206 runs and a lot of promise for the future. He was selected for the Indian limited overs team touring England in 2014, although he did not make the playing XI. He finally represented India in and against Zimbabwe in 2015. Samson became the youngest cricketer to captain a Ranji Trophy side when he was appointed to lead the Kerala team in 2015-16.

In 2018, the Royals bought him back for a whopping Rs. 8 crores.