Sanju Samson has revealed about the big decision he took even before helping India win the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman revealed that he has decided that he will no longer worry about external criticism or the race to prove himself.
Kerala now just wants to enjoy their cricket and play the game their way. The 31-year-old was one of the heroes behind India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 success by scoring three consecutive 90+ scores. But his form deteriorated soon after the World Cup and he was dropped from the team.
Following his failures on the Ireland and England tours, the wicketkeeper-batsman was recently dropped for the Zimbabwe tour. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson vs Abhishek Sharma: Who should India back in T20Is?
Sanju Samson reveals life-changing decision
Amid calls for a comeback into the national team, Sanju Samson shared that he had already decided not to be a part of the ‘rat race’ ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Samson realized that there is always competition and pressure in Indian cricket, so he decided to trust himself and enjoy every match without worrying about what others would think. Citing his World Cup experience, he does not want to think too much about the future.
“I realized that there is a constant rat race going on in our country, and I decided before the 2026 T20 World Cup that I will not be a part of it. I just want to enjoy the game. By the grace of God, I have achieved a lot. I am 31 years old now, and I have a few years left. So, I have decided to play on my own terms. Any Won’t tell me how to bat or what to do.” Sanju will decide for Sanju.”
Sanju Samson sent a strong message on his India’s future
The Kerala batsman said that he has achieved many things in his career and now wants to play on his own terms. He wants to support the team, be a good teammate, and give his best whenever he gets the chance, but he also wants to support his instincts when batting.
Samson further said, “With all due respect, I will play, enjoy the game, be a good teammate and support the group, but I will do it in my own way. After the 2024 World Cup, I did not even expect to play in the 2026 World Cup. I was not in the 14 or 15-man squad at one time.
So how do I plan for 2028? If I’m there, if the team needs me, and if I’m playing well, things will fall into place. If not, I’m extremely grateful. No one can take away this achievement from me.”
Virat Kohli’s lifestyle secret helped Sanju Samson change his game
The right-handed batsman also revealed that he had an important conversation with Virat Kohli about the importance of discipline and lifestyle. He explained how food, fitness, recovery and daily habits play a huge role in building a long international career.
Kohli also shared the routine that helped him remain at the top for so many years. Samson revealed that he followed Kohli’s routine for about one and a half years and it helped him a lot. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma is under pressure! The former BCCI selector supported Sanju Samson’s return to the India XI.
He signed off by saying, “I started following it for a year and a half, but after that, I couldn’t stay on track with it anymore!”