Sanju Samson Fitness: Sanjay Manjrekar Advises Following Virat Kohli’s Path
Contents
The Sanju Samson Phenomenon in IPL 2026
Sanju Samson’s 2026 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following a crowning achievement as the Player of the Tournament during India’s victorious ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, the Kerala-born batter has seamlessly translated that momentum into the ongoing Indian Premier League. Representing the Chennai Super Kings, Samson has been a pillar of consistency, amassing 402 runs in just 10 innings at a staggering average of 57.42 and a strike rate of 167.50.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s Fitness Intervention
While his batting prowess is beyond question, former cricketer and expert Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a conversation regarding Samson’s physical conditioning. Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge Podcast, Manjrekar acknowledged Samson’s technical brilliance but highlighted a crucial area for improvement.
“I’m saying that about Sanju Samson as well, who’s also not a 25-year-old because he’s hit the peak of his achievements, just to sustain it. He could also do the same thing, because I see him also not being in peak physical condition,” Manjrekar stated. He emphasized that for a player who has reached the pinnacle of his craft, the key to longevity is managing the one thing an athlete can control: the body.
The Virat Kohli Benchmark
Manjrekar pointed toward Virat Kohli as the gold standard for fitness in modern cricket. Kohli’s transformation into one of the fittest athletes in global sports has been the cornerstone of his sustained excellence. Manjrekar noted, “When you have a great example, like Virat Kohli, who has had such a long career. You know, just because he’s given fitness so much importance. He’s had tremendous skills, but he’s made sure that the body doesn’t let him down.”
Recent Form and Future Implications
Samson’s current form for CSK suggests he is far from struggling, evidenced by his recent unbeaten 87 against the Delhi Capitals. That match-winning innings, complemented by a 114-run partnership with Kartik Sharma, solidified his reputation as a master of chasing targets. His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate has reignited discussions about his role in the Indian national side.
The ODI Outlook
With the ICC World Cup 2027 on the horizon, selectors are keeping a close eye on form. While KL Rahul currently holds the mantle of India’s primary wicketkeeper-batter, the inconsistent form of other candidates has opened the door for Samson. His ODI record is impressive: 510 runs in 14 innings at an average north of 50 and a strike rate near 100.
Samson’s versatility—playing as a specialist batter if required—adds immense value to any lineup. However, as the demands of international cricket increase, the transition from ‘talented batter’ to ‘all-format legend’ often requires the physical discipline Manjrekar is advocating for. If Samson can align his fitness with his immense natural talent, the sky is the limit for the CSK star in the coming years of international cricket.
Conclusion
Whether or not Samson adopts a strict ‘Kohli-esque’ routine remains to be seen, but the advice reflects a broader shift in Indian cricket where fitness is no longer an afterthought. For a player of Samson’s caliber, mastering his physical fitness could be the final piece of the puzzle in cementing his legacy as one of India’s greats.
