Sanju Samson becomes Rajasthan Royals' first to 4,000 runs

Sanju Samson made history in the opening game of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) while playing for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He scored 66 runs from 37 balls, setting a record by becoming the first player in the franchise’s history to reach 4,000 runs across all competitions. Rajasthan Royals had a tough start to their IPL campaign. They struggled to chase down Sunrisers Hyderabad's massive total of 286 runs, which is the second-highest score in IPL history. Early wickets put the Royals in a difficult position, but Samson, along with teammate Dhruv Jurel, formed a strong partnership. They scored 111 runs together, giving the team a glimmer of hope. Though Samson and Jurel were dismissed in quick succession, Shimron Hetymyer and Shubam Dubey tried to keep the chase alive. Ultimately, Rajasthan Royals lost the match by 44 runs. Samson's innings included seven boundaries and four sixes, and he had an impressive strike rate of 178.38. This match marked the sixth straight season in which Samson scored over 50 runs in the opening match of the IPL. He has consistently started strong, showcasing his skills since joining the Royals at age 18 in 2013. As the team's leading run-scorer, he has played a key role in their performance over the years.