Sanju Samson’s journey in international cricket has always been defined by raw talent, resilience, and unyielding authenticity. Fresh off an extraordinary campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup, where he clinched the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award with 321 runs, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter recently offered fans an intimate look into his professional evolution. Appearing on JioStar’s ‘Believe’ show, Samson reflected on his career defining moments, his philosophical shift away from competitive anxiety, and a memorable gym session with batting icon Virat Kohli that reshaped his perspective on elite athleticism.
Sanju Samson opens up about the success advice Virat Kohli gave him in the gym
Recalling a training session during a national team camp, Samson spoke about the sheer intensity Kohli brings to his fitness routine. Intrigued by the former captain’s relentless work ethic, the Kerala batter actively sought advice on how to sustain high performance at the highest level. Kohli, known for his straightforward demeanor, laid down a clear blueprint focused on strict dietary discipline, physical recovery, and lifestyle choices tailored for long-term athletic success.
“We all know how Virat bhai is—very clear and straightforward. The way he carries himself in the gym, there is a different fire in that guy,” Samson revealed during the show.
When asked for guidance, Kohli explained that consistent recovery and meticulous lifestyle choices over a decade separate good players from legends. Samson admitted to following Kohli’s rigorous regimen strictly for about a year and a half before finding it challenging to maintain, highlighting the incredible effort required to stay at the pinnacle of modern sports fitness.
Beyond physical fitness, Samson addressed his mental transformation heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup. Having previously lost his first-choice spot to Ishan Kishan, the 31-year-old consciously chose to step away from the relentless internal pressure that often consumes Indian cricketers. Deciding to play on his own terms, Samson emphasized that enjoying the game and staying true to his authentic batting style took priority over worrying about future selection cycles, including the 2028 tournament.
“He told me that lifestyle plays a huge role. If you want to become an international cricketer, you must maintain a different kind of lifestyle. He shared what works for him on his journey and told me, ‘This food will help your body recover, this would not. If you maintain this discipline for the next 10 years, you will have a great career ahead.’ I started following it for a year, a year, and a half, but after that, I could not stay on track with that anymore,” he added.
This shift in mindset paid massive dividends. Samson turned in matching match-winning performances from the virtual quarterfinal against the West Indies to the grand final against New Zealand, solidifying his status as a big-match winner for India.
Samson redefining success on his own terms
Samson’s statistical record reflects a player who impacts games decisively. Across 66 T20Is, he has accumulated 1,432 runs at a striking rate of 155.99, featuring three centuries and six half-centuries. His One-Day International record is equally impressive, yielding 510 runs at a stellar average of 56.66 across 16 matches.
Ultimately, Samson’s embrace of Kohli’s discipline, combined with a liberated mindset, helped him deliver one of the most memorable World Cup campaigns in recent history, proving that true success comes when preparation meets self-belief.
