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Sanju Samson has opened up about the big decision he had taken for himself even before helping India win the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter revealed that he has decided that he will no longer worry about outside criticism or the race to prove himself.
Kerala now only wants to enjoy his cricket and play the game in his own way. The 31-year-old was one of the heroes behind India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 success by hammering three 90+ scores in a row. But soon after the World Cup, his form dipped and he was left out of the team.
After his failures on the Ireland and England tour, the wicketkeeper-batter dropped for the recent Zimbabwe tour. Amid this, Sanju Samson vs Abhishek Sharma: Who should India back in T20Is?
Sanju Samson reveals life-changing decision
Amid the demands for his return to the national setup, Sanju Samson shared that he had already decided not to become part of the ‘rat race’ before 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 think. He doesn’t also want to think too much about the future, citing his World Cup experience.
Sanju Samson said on JioStar's show 'Believe' as quoted by IANS: “I realized 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 sends strong message on his India future
The Kerala batter said 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 a chance, but he also wants to back his own instincts while batting.
Samson further noted, “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.”
Virat Kohli's lifestyle secret helped Sanju Samson transform his game
The right-hander 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 stay at the top for so many years. Samson revealed that he followed Kohli's routine for nearly one and a half years, and it helped him a lot. Amid this, Abhishek Sharma under pressure! Ex-BCCI selector backs Sanju Samson's India XI return.
He signed off by saying, “I started following it for a year, a year, and a half, but after that, I couldn't stay on track with that anymore!”
