IPL 2026: When CSK’s Sanju Samson credited his father’s advice that helped him handle pressure in tough matches – The Times of India
Ace Indian cricketer Sanju Samson‘s power-packed performance helped India to win the T20 World Cup earlier this year. And now with the IPL 2026 season going on, the cricketer is seen playing for Chennai Super King (CSK). But as fans rave about his elegant strokeplay on field, his old interview with cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has resurfaced online, wherein Samson shares how his father’s strict Delhi Police discipline helped him become the cricketer that he is today. If you’ve ever wondered why Sanju Samson looks so unshakeable on the field, the answer isn’t just in his batting drills—it’s in the way he was raised. In a candid sit-down with Ravichandran Ashwin on Kutti Stories, Sanju took a trip down memory lane to talk about the man who truly shaped his grit: his father, Samson Viswanath.
Sanju Samson’s father’s advice that changed his game for the better
The most striking part of the interview was Sanju’s takeaway on body language. He shared how growing up in Delhi, his father noticed a specific pattern in him. Coming from a South Indian background and playing in the high-intensity cricket circuit of Delhi, Sanju and his brother often appeared “meek” or overly shy on the pitch in front of other players.His father wasn’t just worried about their technique; he was worried about their presence. And so, he gave Sanju a directive that changed everything: “Carry yourself like a leader.” He wanted his son to play with an authority that made it clear he wasn’t intimidated by anyone or any situation. It was about owning the space, even before hitting the first ball.
The “90 percent” rule and police discipline
Let’s be real— most kids hit a rebellious phase. But Sanju credits his success to the fact that he followed his father’s word about 90% of the time during his formative years. Since his father was a constable with the Delhi Police, the household was “tight” and incredibly regulated. That level of discipline might seem intense, but Sanju says it’s exactly what gave him the mental armour to handle the soul-crushing pressure of professional cricket later in life.
A father’s ultimate gamble
One of the most emotional points of their journey was the move from Delhi to Kerala in Sanju’s childhood. Feeling that Sanju’s talent was being overlooked in the crowded Delhi system, his father did something incredibly brave— and risky. He left his stable job in Delhi to move the entire family back to Kerala, solely to give his sons a better platform to play.“It wasn’t just a move; it was a sacrifice,” Sanju reflected.That unwavering belief from his father acted as a safety net during the early days of selection heartbreaks. Even when the world said “no,” his father’s “strictly-enforced” self-belief kept Sanju’s eyes on the prize.
The result: From shy kid to ace cricketer
Looking at Sanju today, the ace Indian cricketer, it’s clear that those early lessons in “not looking meek” paid off. He didn’t just grow into a talented batsman; he grew into the leader his father challenged him to be years ago.What do you think of this “tough love” approach to parenting? Does a strict upbringing actually help athletes handle the big stage better? Tell us in the comments below.
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