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Sanju Samson Becomes Fastest Indian to 5000 IPL Runs in 2026

Sanju Samson has become the fastest Indian cricketer to reach 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League, achieving the milestone in just 3,555 balls. He reached the landmark during Chennai Super Kings' match against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. Samson joined the elite 5,000-run club alongside players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni. The 31-year-old has now scored 5,008 runs in his IPL career at an average of 31.69 with five centuries.

Key Points: Sanju Samson Fastest Indian to 5000 IPL Runs 2026

  • Fastest Indian to 5000 IPL runs by balls faced
  • Achieved milestone vs Gujarat Titans at Chepauk
  • 10th overall batter to reach 5000 IPL runs
  • Played for RR, DC, and CSK in IPL career
2 min read

IPL 2026: Samson becomes fastest Indian player to complete 5000 IPL runs

Sanju Samson becomes fastest Indian in terms of balls to reach 5000 IPL runs. Achieves milestone vs Gujarat Titans at Chepauk.

"Samson is now the 10th overall batter to surpass 5,000 runs in IPL history - News Content"

Chennai, April 26

Sanju Samson etched his name into the record books by becoming the fastest Indian, in terms of balls, to reach 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League 2026, achieving the milestone during Chennai Super Kings' clash against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

The 31-year-old achieved this milestone impressively by hitting Kagiso Rabada for a boundary in the second over. However, Rabada had the last laugh, dismissing Samson for 11 off 15 balls later in the fourth over.

Samson is now the 10th overall batter to surpass 5,000 runs in IPL history, reaching the mark in just 180 innings (185 matches). It took him 3555 balls to reach this milestone, making him the fastest Indian to do so by balls faced. Only a few global stars have reached this milestone faster in terms of balls faced, with AB de Villiers leading.

Throughout his IPL career, Samson has played for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), and CSK, and has also captained Rajasthan. His IPL journey started in 2013, and he has become one of the league's most reliable performers.

Among the elite 5,000-run club, Samson joins notable players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, K.L. Rahul, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, and Ajinkya Rahane.

Samson's consistent performance is evident in his IPL career stats: 5,008 runs, an average of 31.69, and a strike rate of 140.59, including 31 fifties and five centuries. Notably, three centuries were scored while batting at No. 3 or lower. His main association remains with Rajasthan Royals, scoring 4,027 runs in 149 matches with an average of 31.70, including two centuries and 23 fifties. He also became the first player to surpass 4,000 runs for the franchise last season.

In 2024, Samson had his most successful IPL season, scoring 531 runs at an average of 48.27, his first 500-plus run season. In the current 2026 season, he has performed well, with 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 year have turned into centuries, giving him two so far.

Across all T20 cricket, Samson has scored 8,704 runs in 338 matches, averaging 30.86, with eight hundreds and 54 fifties, underlining his reputation as a reliable and dynamic top-order batter.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aditya G
Great achievement, no doubt. But let's be honest - Samson has been given more chances than any other Indian batsman in IPL history. His international career is still mediocre at best. These domestic stats don't mean much if he can't translate it to the blue jersey consistently. Just saying... 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Wow, 5000 runs in just 3555 balls! That's insane efficiency. AB de Villiers might be the only one ahead in this stat globally. Sanju's strike rate of 140+ is exactly what T20 cricket needs. Really impressive stuff from Kerala's own superstar! 👏
N
Neha E
The article says he's played for 3 franchises but his main team is Rajasthan Royals. That loyalty is rare in IPL these days! And 4027 runs for RR - wow, that's a huge contribution. Hope he retires as an RR legend. Sanju Samson - underrated gem of Indian cricket. 🌟
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Rahul R
All these stats and still no permanent place in India's T20I side. Something doesn't add up. Maybe the selectors see something we don't? His average of 31.69 in IPL is decent but not extraordinary for a world-class player. But credit where it's due - fastest Indian to 5000 is no joke. Well played, Sanju! 👍
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Priya S
My whole family was cheering for him at Chepauk today! Shame he got out early after reaching the milestone. But what a moment - Chennai crowd gave him a standing ovation. That's the beauty of IPL - even CSK fans appreciate a rival player's achievement. Love this

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