After a disappointing T20I tour of England and missing out on India's squad for the subsequent T20I series, Sanju Samson has made it clear that he is done worrying about the selection race. Reflecting on the highs and lows of his international career, the 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter said he has chosen to move away from the constant pressure of proving himself and instead focus on enjoying his cricket. Samson believes this change in mindset has allowed him to play with greater freedom and confidence.
"By God's grace, I have achieved a lot. I am 31 now, and 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," he said.
While he stressed that he will always put the team first and support his teammates in every way possible, Samson said he no longer wants outside opinions or selection pressures to influence the way he bats. Instead, he is determined to express himself fearlessly every time he walks out to the crease.
Sanju Samson had a life-changing run at the T20 World Cup 2026, where he was the Player of the Tournament after taking India to semi-final while playing against West Indies and performing a match winning innings. The last two series have put a hold on the cricketer’s International career as the selection committee might have moved on from him and replaced him with youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
"This food is good for your body": Sanju Samson opens up on diet tips from Virat Kohli
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson recently opened up about trying Virat Kohli's legendary fitness routine to achieve a long international career. Speaking on JioStar's programme 'Believe', Samson recalled working out alongside the former captain during a national camp.
Expressing deep admiration for Kohli's intense dedication, Samson noted, "The way he carries himself in the gym, there is a different fire in that guy and I really love that about him." Looking to improve his own game, Kohli's son eagerly asked, "Paaji, what should I do? Tell me something too!"
Kohli responded by saying that the young player must adhere to a strict regime, saying, "This food is good for your body, this is not. So if you do this for the next 10 years, you will have a great career ahead."
Taking inspiration from the captain's words, Samson began to follow Kohli's rigorous diet. However, Kohli's strict diet and regime was too much for the cricketer to handle in the long run. The 31-year-old cricketer admitted that after 18 months, he could no longer follow it. "I was doing it for 1 year, 1 year and a half, but then I couldn't go on with it anymore!”
