‘I won’t be part of the rat race’: Sanju Samson says he chose to ‘play on his own terms’ before T20 WC win

Senior India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has revealed that he consciously chose to step away from the “rat race” even before India’s triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, insisting he will continue to play cricket on his own terms without worrying about outside opinions.

“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,” Samson said on JioStar’s show Believe.

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“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.”

The wicketkeeper-batter, who struck three consecutive fifties during India’s successful T20 World Cup title defence before missing the Zimbabwe tour following a lean run against Ireland and England, said he is no longer looking too far ahead.

“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 advice shaped Samson’s approach

Samson also recalled how a conversation with former India captain Virat Kohli during a national team camp changed his perspective on fitness and professionalism.

“We both were working out together in the gym during an Indian team camp and I asked him, ‘Paaji, what should I do?’ He told me that lifestyle plays a huge role if you want to become an international cricketer.”

According to Samson, Kohli explained how discipline off the field, from diet to recovery, could prolong an international career.

“I started following it for a year, a year and a half, but after that, I couldn’t stay on track with that anymore,” he admitted.

World Cup mindset and backing himself

Looking back at India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign, Samson revealed he ignored concerns over his previous record against England pacer Jofra Archer ahead of the semi-final because he trusted his preparation.

“A lot of people were telling me, ‘It’s England, Archer has got you out before.’ But I was confident. I knew this Sanju Samson was not the Sanju Samson from a year ago.”

He also spoke about embracing the responsibility of being India’s main run-scorer in the final against New Zealand, saying he remained patient even after facing four dot balls against Mitchell Santner because he trusted his game plan.

“I kept telling myself that the team needed me to stay till the end and finish the job. That clarity and confidence came from my previous experiences.”

Samson signed off by acknowledging the contributions of his teammates, particularly Jasprit Bumrah.

“‘Mr. Bumrah’ is a pure cheat code. Without that cheat code, we wouldn’t have got past England, and the start he gave us in the final was crucial. Everyone played their part, and I’m happy I could contribute as well.”