Sanju Samson: Playing Cricket on My Own Terms

Sanju Samson has adopted a clear mindset, stating he will play cricket on his own terms and focus on enjoying the game, particularly leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup. He has consciously decided to opt out of the intense competition and selection pressures prevalent in Indian cricket.

Samson emphasized that at 31, with a few years left in his career, he will make his own decisions regarding his batting and overall game. He aims to be a positive influence as a teammate while maintaining his independent approach to playing.

Reflecting on his journey, Samson acknowledged the uncertainty of national selection, where past performance could lead to immediate exclusion. Having experienced high-pressure situations, including a World Cup, he now approaches the future with a sense of peace rather than anxiety.

Despite past struggles against certain bowlers like Jofra Archer, Samson demonstrated unwavering confidence during a crucial semi-final match in the recent T20 World Cup. He tuned out external advice and focused on his prepared plans, drawing self-validation from a prior strong performance.

He also highlighted his ability to remain calm under pressure, citing an instance in a World Cup final where he took time to settle but was confident in his ability to score later. This internal certainty contrasts with the current surplus of opening options for the T20I team, where players like Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have seen more consistent opportunities.

Samson is aware of the fickle nature of selection panels and chooses to block out the associated noise. He is content with his achievements and grateful for the opportunities, regardless of future selections.