Sanju Samson: No More Rat Race. The senior India wicketkeeper-batter revealed he decided before the 2026 T20 World Cup to stop worrying about outside opinions and play cricket on his own terms. After scoring three consecutive fifties as India retained the T20 World Cup title earlier this year, Samson was later left out of the Zimbabwe tour. He stated he no longer wants to be part of the rat race and will continue to trust his instincts.
Samson said, 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. I am 31 now, and I have a few years left. So, I have decided to play on my own terms. Sanju will decide for Sanju. He added that he didn’t even expect to play in the 2026 World Cup after the 2024 edition, acknowledging his place in the squad was uncertain.
Recalling a conversation with Virat Kohli during a national team camp, Samson noted Kohli advised him to focus on discipline and lifestyle for a long international career. While Samson tried following the advice for a year, he admitted he couldn’t stay on track. During the T20 World Cup semi-final against England, Samson ignored discussions about his record against Jofra Archer, confident he had improved as a batter.
Looking back at the World Cup final against New Zealand, Samson said he felt responsible for carrying India’s batting as the team’s main run-scorer. He kept reminding himself to stay focused and finish the job for his country. In conclusion, Samson’s decision to step away from the rat race and play on his own terms reflects a mature approach to his career, prioritizing enjoyment and self-trust over external pressures.