Sanju Samson Steps Away From India’s Selection Rat Race to Play on Own Terms

Sanju Samson Steps Away From India’s Selection Rat Race

Senior India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed that he took a vow to continue to play cricket entirely on his own terms without paying attention to outside noise even before the T20 World Cup happened, stepping away from the national team’s constant rat race and backing his own instincts instead.

Samson etched his name into Indian cricket folklore when he smashed three consecutive fifties to help the side retain the Men’s T20 World Cup title on home soil earlier this year. Fresh from that dream ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where he finished as India’s highest run-scorer with 321 runs and was named Player of the Tournament, the 31-year-old reflected on the conversations and decisions that shaped his journey.

Appearing on JioStar’s programme ‘Believe’, Samson explained how losing his place behind Ishan Kishan in India’s pecking order prompted a major mental shift. Rather than worrying about selection cycles or pressure, he chose complete detachment.

“I realised that there is a constant rat race in our country, and I decided before the 2026 T20 World Cup that I would not be part of it. I just want to enjoy the game. By God’s grace, I have achieved a lot. I am 31 now, and I have a few years left. So, I have decided to play on my own terms. No one will tell me how to bat or what to do. Sanju will decide for Sanju.”

Sanju Samson, via NDTV Sports

Reflecting on Virat Kohli’s Fitness Regime and Discipline

Before charting his own course, Samson sought guidance from former captain Virat Kohli during an Indian team camp inside the gym. Samson recalled how Kohli’s relentless work ethic and intensity left a lasting impression on him.

“We all know how Virat bhai is. He is very clear and very straightforward with everyone. If you need to do something, he will tell you exactly what is required. The way he carries himself in the gym, there is a different fire in that guy, and I really love that about him.”

Sanju Samson, via Yahoo Sports

Samson detailed how he approached Kohli for advice on what to do during their workout sessions. According to Samson, Kohli’s blueprint focused heavily on lifestyle and long-term habits rather than batting technique alone.

“He shared what works for him on his journey and told me, ‘This food will help your body recover, this would not. If you maintain this discipline for the next 10 years, you will have a great career ahead.’ I started following it for a year, a year, and a half, but after that, I could not stay on track with that anymore.”

Sanju Samson, via Rediff

Tactical Composure Against Jofra Archer and Mitchell Santner

That hard-won internal self-belief carried Samson through high-pressure knockout fixtures during the World Cup. Ahead of the semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, critics frequently reminded him of his past struggles against English speedster Jofra Archer, who had dismissed him 3-4 times previously.

Rather than engaging in public verbal back-and-forth, Samson kept his focus locked on his preparation after his unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the virtual quarter-final.

That composure extended to the summit clash against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

“When you are confident, you don’t mind taking your time. I played an over against Santner where I faced four dot balls in a World Cup final. But I was completely sure that even if I faced four dot balls there, I could hit two sixes later from the other end. I had absolute clarity.”

Sanju Samson, via NDTV Sports

Future Outlook Beyond the 2026 Triumph

Despite his stellar performances in the 2026 tournament, a brief drop in form during matches against Ireland and England led to his omission from the squad for the subsequent trip to Zimbabwe under current selection dynamics.

Reflecting on what lies ahead, including the 2028 T20 World Cup cycle, Samson remains grounded in his gratitude and relaxed about squad selections.

“With all due respect, I will play, enjoy the game, be a good teammate, and support the group, but I will do it my way. After the 2024 World Cup, I didn’t even expect to play in the 2026 World Cup. I wasn’t in the 14 or 15-man squad at one point. So how can 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 am deeply grateful. No one can take this achievement away from me.”

Sanju Samson, via The Economic Times

He continues to focus on his current performances while remaining content with the contributions he has made to the team's overall success.