Sanju Samson scripted history in Indian Premier League 2026 by becoming the fastest Indian to complete 5,000 IPL runs in terms of balls faced.
The milestone came during Chennai Super Kings’ clash against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, when Samson struck Kagiso Rabada for a boundary in the second over.
Record Achievement Despite Early Dismissal
The 31-year-old reached the landmark in just 3,555 balls, setting a new benchmark among Indian batters. However, Rabada bounced back to dismiss Samson for 11 off 15 balls in the fourth over.
Samson is now the 10th player overall to cross the 5,000-run mark in IPL history, achieving the feat in 180 innings (185 matches). Only a few global stars, including AB de Villiers, have reached the milestone quicker in terms of balls faced.
Elite Company In IPL History
He joins an elite list featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni and Ajinkya Rahane in the prestigious 5,000-run club.
Samson has represented teams like Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, with his strongest association coming with Rajasthan.
Consistency Defines Samson’s Career
Across his IPL career, Samson has scored 5,008 runs at an average of 31.69 and a strike rate of 140.59, including 31 fifties and five centuries. He also became the first player to cross 4,000 runs for Rajasthan Royals.
His best season came in 2024, where he scored 531 runs at an average of 48.27. In IPL 2026, he has continued his strong form, scoring 304 runs in eight matches at an average of 50.67 and a strike rate of 169.83, including two centuries.
A Proven Performer In T20 Cricket
Overall in T20 cricket, Samson has amassed 8,704 runs in 338 matches, with eight centuries and 54 fifties, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable and dynamic top-order batters in the format.
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