Sanju Samson vows to bat on his own terms after World Cup success

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'No one will tell me how to bat': Samson's vow to 'not be part of the rat race' cricket news image
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India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has said he no longer wants to worry about outside opinions and will instead trust his own instincts as he approaches the remaining years of his career.

Samson said he made the decision before the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, where he scored three consecutive fifties as India retained the title. India later left Samson out of the Zimbabwe tour following a dip in form during the Ireland and England series.

Samson steps away from the selection rat race

Samson said his priority is to enjoy cricket, support his teammates and play in a manner that reflects his own judgement rather than external demands.

“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,” Samson said on JioStar, as quoted by news agency IANS. “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.”

Samson also said he would remain committed to the team environment while retaining control over his approach. The wicketkeeper-batter did not set a firm target of playing in the 2028 World Cup, noting that he had not expected to feature in the 2026 tournament after previously being outside the 14 or 15-player squad.

“If I’m there, if the team needs me, and if I’m playing well, things will fall into place,” Samson said. “If not, I am deeply grateful. No one can take this achievement away from me.” The comments were reported by the Times of India.

Virat Kohli’s advice focused on discipline

Samson recalled that former India captain Virat Kohli advised him during a national team camp to build his international career around disciplined training, recovery and lifestyle choices.

Samson said Kohli explained which food choices supported recovery and stressed the value of maintaining those habits over a long period. Samson followed the routine for around a year to a year and a half but acknowledged that he was unable to stay on track afterward.

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“We all know how Virat bhai is. He is very clear and very straightforward with everyone,” Samson said. “The way he carries himself in the gym, there is a different fire in that guy and I really love that about him.”

Archer match-up did not alter semi-final plans

Samson said he dismissed concerns about his previous dismissals against England fast bowler Jofra Archer before India’s T20 World Cup semi-final against England at Wankhede Stadium.

The India batter said people had reminded him that Archer had dismissed him three or four times previously. Samson chose not to respond publicly because he felt that doing so could appear arrogant, but he entered the match with specific batting plans and confidence in his development.

Samson linked that confidence to an earlier innings against the West Indies, which he said had provided personal validation. He believed he had improved significantly from the player he had been a year earlier.

World Cup final brought added batting responsibility

Samson said he felt responsible for carrying India’s batting in the World Cup final against New Zealand because he viewed himself as the team’s main run-scorer at that stage of the tournament.

The wicketkeeper-batter acknowledged that other India batters were contributing, but he felt a significant share of the scoring responsibility rested with him. Samson said he repeatedly reminded himself to remain at the crease and finish the match for India.

Samson also accepted that form cannot always be controlled. His reflections connected India’s title run with a broader decision to judge his career through preparation, enjoyment and his own batting instincts rather than long-term selection forecasts.