Five Indian players who lifted the IPL trophy without playing a single game

4. Sanju Samson (Kolkata Knight Riders) – 2012

It’s hard to imagine Sanju Samson in any other team than Rajasthan’s. Although he was part of the Delhi setup for two seasons, it was due to the ban of Rajasthan from the IPL. Like his compatriot Axar, Samson also found his crowning moment without even making an appearance for the side when Gautam Gambhir’s KKR won the IPL in 2012.

He was signed by Kolkata ahead of IPL in 2012 but didn’t make a single appearance for the franchise. The following year he was released by KKR and was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals. He got the opportunity in the team as their regular keeper got injured, the elegant right-hander scored 206 runs in 11 matches and also became the youngest player to score an IPL fifty (at that time). He was named the Best Young Player of the Season (‘Emerging player of the season now).

The attacking middle-order batter led his side to their 2nd IPL final ever in 2022. A defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans in the final meant that he will have to wait longer for his 2nd IPL title. Samson remains one of the most eye-pleasing batters in the tournament with his stroke-making abilities.