Indian opener Sanju Samson’s career has had its crest and trough. Samson achieved his crest when he scored 321 runs in five matches of 2026 T20 World Cup. More importantly, he scored runs when it mattered the most, in the virtual quaterfinal, semifinal and the final clash.

Samson has also received sporadic opportunities in the playing XI as he hasn’t always been a consistent performer. The Kerala batter returned with scores of 5, 0 and 1 on the UK tour and he was dropped for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Samson then made a return in the final game against England and scored 27 runs. However, he was not picked for the Zimbabwe tour.

“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 JioHotstar.

“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. 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,” Samson said.

Samson said he wants to live in the present and not think too much about what the future holds.

“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,” he concluded.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier revealed that he gave clarity to Samson after he was dropped from the Zimbabwe tour.