Sanju Samson Reveals Why He Quit Virat Kohli’s Fitness Routine After Just One Year… ‘I Realised It Wasn’t for Me’

In modern cricket, Virat Kohli has become synonymous with elite fitness standards. His strict diet, intense gym sessions, and relentless commitment have inspired countless cricketers around the world. One of those players was Sanju Samson, who recently admitted that he once tried to follow Kohli’s demanding fitness regime—but eventually realised it wasn’t sustainable for him.

Speaking candidly about his journey, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter revealed that while Kohli’s dedication motivated him immensely, he decided to move away from the routine after about a year and instead focus on a training style that better suited his own needs.

Inspired by Virat Kohli’s Professionalism

Samson recalled interacting with Kohli during an Indian cricket team camp, where he closely observed the former captain’s unmatched energy and work ethic.

Wanting to elevate his own game, Samson sought advice from Kohli and committed himself to following a similar fitness programme. From disciplined eating habits to rigorous workouts, the Rajasthan Royals captain attempted to replicate the standards that have helped Kohli remain one of the fittest cricketers in the world.

However, maintaining the same intensity over a long period proved to be a significant challenge.

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‘I Could Only Continue for a Year’

Reflecting on that phase of his career, Samson admitted that despite his determination, he found it difficult to sustain Kohli’s strict routine beyond a year.

The demanding combination of diet restrictions, gym sessions, and overall lifestyle changes eventually convinced him that every athlete’s body responds differently.

Instead of forcing himself to continue with a programme that wasn’t working for him personally, Samson chose to develop a more balanced approach to fitness while ensuring he remained match-ready throughout the season.

His experience highlights an important reality in professional sports—what works exceptionally well for one athlete may not necessarily deliver the same results for another.

A Career Setback Changed His Perspective

Samson also spoke about the mental shift that followed a challenging phase in his international career.

After losing his place in the Indian team to Ishan Kishan, Samson admitted he spent considerable time worrying about expectations and external pressure.

Eventually, he reached a turning point where he decided to stop overthinking selection battles and instead focus on enjoying his cricket.

According to Samson, playing with greater freedom helped him regain confidence and allowed him to express himself more naturally on the field.

Fitness Is Personal, Not One-Size-Fits-All

Virat Kohli’s transformation has undoubtedly changed the culture of Indian cricket, encouraging younger players to take nutrition and conditioning far more seriously than ever before.

Yet Samson believes the biggest lesson he learned was that fitness should be tailored to an individual’s body rather than copied entirely from someone else—even if that person is one of the game’s greatest professionals.

By finding a routine that complements his own physical requirements, Samson says he has been able to maintain consistency while continuing to perform at the highest level.

Looking Ahead

As competition for places in the Indian cricket team remains intense, Samson’s focus now appears firmly fixed on performance rather than comparison.

His honest admission about leaving Kohli’s fitness routine serves as a reminder that success in elite sport is built not only on discipline but also on understanding one’s own strengths, limitations, and long-term sustainability.

For aspiring cricketers, the message is clear: inspiration can come from legends like Virat Kohli, but the path to success is often personal.