Dubai: In-form Rajasthan Royals batsman Sanju Samson has revealed India captain Virat Kohli‘s advice on fitness changed his approach to the cricket.
Samson has hit two half-centuries in two matches, helping Rajasthan Royals to win both the games, catching the eye with his clean hitting. He underwent an extensive training during the lockdown, facing more than 20,000 deliveries, and is now reaping its benefits.
But Samson says a chat with Kohli at the gym during India’s New Zealand earlier this year helped him prioritise his objectives.
“I had a really amazing experience when I was training with the Indian team,” he said.
“I was in the gym with Virat bhai and asked him about his training routines, and why he puts so much energy into his fitness. He then asked me how long I think I will play, so I replied that I could go on for maybe 10 years more.
“Then Virat told me, after 10 years you can do whatever, you can eat food from Kerala and whatever else you want to do, but you won’t be able to play cricket after these 10 years. So, why don’t you give everything, whatever you have, to cricket in these 10 years.
“I think his words really changed my perspective and my dedication towards the game. I realised I could do more.”
The 25-year-old’s big-hitting has drawn comparisons with MS Dhoni but Samson downplayed the comparisons.
“I am sure that no one can and no one should try to play like him,” he said.
“It’s not at all easy to play like MS Dhoni, so leave that aside. I never think of playing like him. He is a legend of Indian cricket, legend of the game. I only focus on my game, what I can do, how I can do it best and how I can win matches.”
“Get more sports news, cricket news and football updates, log on to sportslounge.co.in. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and Subscribe YouTube Channel.”
