SRH vs RR: Sanju Samson and Sachin Baby; Two Kerala Chettas Reunite in IPL - Career, Stats, Teams, Salaries

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Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a platform where talents from different parts of the country have had the opportunity to shine on the grandest T20 stage.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are up against Rajasthan Royals in the Match 2 of the IPL 2025 and it means a square-off of Sanju Samson and Sachin Baby. As the SRH vs RR nears, let us have a look how the two stars from God's own country have fared.

The two Kerala boys lock horns in the IPL 2025 as Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Rajasthan Royals. Sachin is part of the SRH squad this season while Sanju will be the star at RR, although he will sit out from captaincy due to lack of fitness clearance in the match and only play as a batter.

Both players have been stalwarts of Kerala cricket. Sachin Baby and Sanju Samson, hailing from Trivandrum and Idukki districts, have had contrasting journeys in the league. While Samson has cemented himself as a vital part of Rajasthan Royals and even led the team, Sachin Baby has had a more modest IPL career.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has been one of the most consistent performers in the IPL over the past decade. Making his debut in 2013 for Rajasthan Royals, he quickly gained attention with his elegant stroke play and fearless approach. His ability to play match-winning innings, coupled with his excellent wicketkeeping skills, made him a valuable asset for any franchise.

Samson's real breakthrough came when he moved to Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2016. He showcased his class with a century and several impactful knocks. However, his return to Rajasthan Royals in 2018 solidified his place as one of the best domestic talents in the tournament. His promotion as Rajasthan's captain in 2021 was a testament to his leadership and growing stature in Indian cricket.

Despite being on the fringes of the Indian national team, Samson's IPL credentials are unquestionable. His ability to accelerate the innings, play extravagant shots, and lead from the front has made him a fan favorite.

Stats, Teams & Salary

Matches Played: 167

Runs Scored: 4,419

Batting Average: 30.69

Centuries: 3

Half-Centuries: 25

Highest Score: 119

Fours: 352

Sixes: 206

Teams:

Rajasthan Royals (2013-2015, 2018-Present)

Delhi Daredevils (2016-2017)

Kolkata Knight Riders (2012, did not play)

Captaincy Record:

Matches as Captain: 61

Wins: 31

Losses: 29

Salary

2024 Salary: INR 14 crore

Total IPL Earnings: Over INR 90 crore

Sachin Baby

Unlike Sanju Samson, Sachin Baby's IPL career has been short-lived. A left-handed batsman who primarily plays in the middle order, Baby made his IPL debut in 2013 for Rajasthan Royals. However, he failed to make a lasting impression and did not get enough opportunities.

It was in 2016, when he was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore, that he got a brief stint in the playing XI. Despite playing alongside Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, he could not cement his place due to a lack of big scores. His highest score in IPL is 33, which highlights his struggle to convert starts into significant innings.

After a brief period with RCB, he moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018 but did not get many chances to showcase his talent. As a result, he faded away from the IPL circuit and remained more active in domestic cricket.

Stats, Teams & Salary

Matches Played: 18

Runs Scored: 144

Batting Average: 14.40

Highest Score: 33

Teams:

Rajasthan Royals (2013)

Royal Challengers Bangalore (2016)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018, 2025)

Salary

IPL 2025 - Rs 30 Lakh

Sanju Samson is undoubtedly the bigger name when comparing these two players. He has been an integral part of the IPL for over a decade, consistently delivering impactful performances and captaining Rajasthan Royals.

On the other hand, Sachin Baby had limited opportunities and struggled to make a mark in the few games he played. While he has been a notable player in Kerala's domestic circuit, his IPL career never took off in the same manner as Samson's.

But it is an opportunity for Sachin Baby to make amends as he dons the Sunrisers Hyderabad jersey this season. The southpaw has immense fitness and class to shine and the IPL 2025 brings a glittering opportunity.