Sanju Samson’s Fitness Under Scrutiny: Manjrekar Suggests Virat Kohli Path

The Samson Surge: Brilliance Amidst Scrutiny

The 2026 cricketing calendar has undoubtedly belonged to Sanju Samson. Following his instrumental role in India’s triumphant T20 World Cup 2026 campaign—where he was rightfully crowned Player of the Tournament—Samson has seamlessly carried that momentum into the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Representing the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the Kerala-born batter has been nothing short of a revelation, leaving spectators and pundits alike in awe of his stroke play.

However, even as he amasses runs with clinical precision, the conversation surrounding him has taken a critical turn. Former Indian cricketer and astute observer of the game, Sanjay Manjrekar, has raised a pertinent point regarding Samson’s long-term future: his physical conditioning.

The Stats Behind the Star

Samson’s form in the current IPL season is statistically staggering. With 402 runs in just 10 innings, he boasts an impressive average of 57.42 and a blistering strike rate of 167.50. His recent unbeaten knock of 87 against the Delhi Capitals, where he anchored a comfortable chase alongside Kartik Sharma, showcased his maturity and ability to finish games under pressure.

Manjrekar’s Call to Action: The Kohli Blueprint

Despite these glittering statistics, Sanjay Manjrekar argues that there is a difference between ‘good form’ and ‘peak physical condition.’ Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge Podcast, Manjrekar emphasized that Samson is no longer a young prodigy and needs to focus on longevity.

“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 noted. He further highlighted the gold standard of modern cricket: Virat Kohli. Manjrekar believes that Kohli’s unparalleled career trajectory is a direct consequence of his discipline, stating, “He’s had tremendous skills, but he’s made sure that the body doesn’t let him down. Because that’s the one you can control.”

Why Fitness Matters for Samson’s India Return

The discourse isn’t just about club cricket. With the ICC World Cup 2027 on the horizon, the Indian selection committee is closely monitoring talent. While KL Rahul remains the primary wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant’s recent struggles with the bat have opened a window of opportunity for Samson.

Samson’s credentials in the 50-over format are significant. Having played 16 ODIs with an average exceeding 50 and a strike rate near 100, he possesses the rare ability to build an innings without sacrificing intent. His versatility—playing as a specialist batter or behind the stumps—offers the Indian team much-needed tactical flexibility. However, in the high-intensity environment of international cricket, match fitness often determines who survives the cut.

Can Samson Bridge the Gap?

The path forward for Sanju Samson seems clear. He has the technical skill, the temperament for big matches, and the current form to back his claims for a permanent spot in the national side. By adopting a more rigorous fitness regimen akin to Virat Kohli’s, Samson could potentially transform his already impressive career into a legendary one. Fans across the nation will be watching closely to see if the CSK star takes this advice to heart, potentially adding another layer of dominance to his already formidable game.

Ultimately, while talent gets a player to the top, it is fitness and discipline that keep them there. For Sanju Samson, the road to 2027 may very well be paved in the gym, as much as it is on the pitch.