Kerala batter Sanju Samson reflects on T20 World Cup success and personal approach

By Rohan Gupta — 27 July 2026 — 4 min read

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has stated his decision to move away from what he describes as the “rat race” in cricket, opting instead to play on his own terms. This shift in mindset occurred before the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he emerged as a key player for India.

Samson, who is 31 years old, emphasized his desire to enjoy the game and trust his instincts. He believes that by focusing on his own approach, he can continue to contribute to the sport without being influenced by external pressures or opinions. He highlighted that he has achieved a lot in his career and intends to play out his remaining years in cricket on his own terms.

Embracing a New Mindset

The wicketkeeper-batter explained that his decision to step away from the constant competition for selection came after realizing the pervasive “rat race” within the country’s cricketing landscape. He expressed that he no longer wishes to be a part of it, prioritizing enjoyment and personal fulfillment in his game.

This new perspective was solidified even before the 2026 T20 World Cup. Samson‘s form saw him score three consecutive fifties as India successfully defended their Men’s T20 World Cup title. Despite this success, he was later omitted from the Zimbabwe tour following a dip in performance during series against Ireland and England.

Reflecting on his journey, Samson mentioned that he did not anticipate playing in the 2026 World Cup after the 2024 World Cup, having been out of the 14 or 15-man squad at one point. He stated that he does not plan for future tournaments like the 2028 T20 World Cup, believing that if the team needs him and he is performing well, things will naturally align.

He shared his gratitude for his achievements, asserting that no one can diminish his accomplishments, including his T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament award. Samson‘s approach is to play, enjoy the game, be a supportive teammate, and contribute to the group, but always in his own way.

Insights from Virat Kohli and Self-Belief

Samson also recounted a conversation with former India captain Virat Kohli during a national team camp. He sought advice from Kohli, who emphasized the significant role of lifestyle and discipline in sustaining an international career. Kohli, known for his clear and straightforward communication, advised Samson on maintaining a specific lifestyle, including dietary choices that aid recovery, to ensure a long and successful career.

Samson initially followed Kohli‘s advice for about a year and a half but admitted he found it challenging to maintain that strict regimen consistently. Despite this, Kohli‘s words left a lasting impression on his approach to fitness and discipline.

The Kerala batter’s self-belief was particularly evident during the T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite discussions about his past struggles against England fast bowler Jofra Archer, Samson remained confident. He acknowledged that the team’s top order was not consistently firing, leading to many reminding him of Archer‘s previous successes against him.

However, Samson had prepared his own strategies. He felt that the current version of himself was an improved batter compared to a year prior, especially after a strong performance against the West Indies. This self-validation eliminated any doubt, and he was determined to perform for his country. In that semi-final, Samson scored 38 runs off 14 balls against Archer, including three fours and four sixes, contributing to India‘s total of 253/7. He ultimately scored 89 runs off 42 balls in that match.

Responsibility in the Final

During the World Cup final against New Zealand, Samson felt a strong sense of responsibility as he had become India‘s primary run-scorer throughout the tournament. He recognized that while other teammates contributed, a significant portion of the scoring burden rested on him. He continuously reminded himself to stay at the crease until the end and finish the job for his country, a thought that helped him maintain focus during his innings.

Samson reflected on the importance of confidence, noting that it allowed him to take his time at the crease, even playing dot balls, with the assurance that he could accelerate later. He cited an instance in the final where he faced four dot balls against Santner but remained calm, knowing he could hit boundaries against other bowlers. This newfound clarity, stemming from his performances against the West Indies and England, enabled him to trust his game plan and target specific bowlers when necessary.

He expressed enjoyment in batting with his teammates, acknowledging the contributions of Ishan Kishan and Jasprit Bumrah, whom he referred to as a “cheat code” for his crucial role against England and his strong start in the final. Samson concluded by stating his happiness with his own contributions to the team’s success.

Samson finished as India‘s highest run-scorer in the ICC T20 World Cup with 321 runs and was named Player of the Tournament.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter