Sanjay Manjrekar has advised Sanju Samson to draw fitness inspiration from Virat Kohli, saying the CSK wicketkeeper-batter is yet to reach the same physical peak as the long-serving India captain. With Samson firing for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, Manjrekar believes the next step is sustaining the current run of form by improving conditioning and durability.
Key takeaways
- Manjrekar said Samson should model his fitness approach on Virat Kohli to better sustain his performances.
- Samson has hit two centuries and a half-century, scoring 402 runs in 10 IPL matches at an average of 57.42.
- In CSK’s win over Delhi Capitals, Samson made 87 not out off 52 balls and was named Player of the Match.
- Samson became the first batter in IPL history to take part in two 100-plus partnerships against Delhi Capitals in the same season.
- Earlier, he struck an unbeaten 115 versus Delhi in Chennai and followed with a 101 against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede.
- He also crossed 5,000 IPL runs in April 2026 during CSK’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Samson’s IPL 2026 turnaround for CSK
Manjrekar highlighted that Samson has been a major standout for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. After a difficult start, where he struggled through his first three games following his high-profile move worth Rs 18 crore from Rajasthan Royals, Samson’s fortunes changed dramatically.
Since that early wobble, the wicketkeeper-batter has piled up big scores, including two centuries and a half-century. Across 10 matches, he has amassed 402 runs at an average of 57.42, keeping him firmly in the Orange Cap mix.
Latest impact: 87* against Delhi Capitals
Samson’s most recent match-winning contribution arrived in CSK’s contest against Delhi Capitals. On a challenging surface, he struck an unbeaten 87 off 52 balls to steer his side to victory and claim the Player of the Match award.
He also made history in the same season by becoming the first batter in IPL history to be involved in two 100-plus partnerships against Delhi Capitals. This feat came as part of his growing influence in CSK’s batting, where he has repeatedly delivered when the pressure rises.
Centuries earlier in the campaign and a major milestone
Before the latest Delhi heroics, Samson had already set the tone earlier in the IPL campaign. He began with an unbeaten 115 against Delhi Capitals at Chennai, and then followed it with another century—101—against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.
Beyond the big scores, Samson reached a key career milestone during CSK’s April 2026 clash with Kolkata Knight Riders, when he crossed 5,000 IPL runs.
Manjrekar’s message: fitness and longevity still the next target
Even with the momentum from his memorable T20 World Cup comeback carried into the IPL, Manjrekar believes Samson still has space to improve—particularly around fitness and how long he can maintain this level of output.
The former India batter urged Samson to adopt the disciplined fitness standards associated with Virat Kohli, arguing that while talent and skill can be exceptional, physical preparation is the factor players can actively control to protect their longevity in the shortest format.
Manjrekar said, “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.”
He added, “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. Because that’s the one you can control.”
