NAGOYA: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has paid a glowing tribute to Virat Kohli, describing the former India captain as a “great inspiration” and saying Indian cricketers are “very, very fortunate” to have a player of his stature continuing to set the standard.
Samson was speaking on the eve of India’s Asian Games men’s cricket semi-final against Sri Lanka in Nagoya, Japan, where rain has severely disrupted the team’s preparations. Kohli, meanwhile, has been making headlines back home after another spectacular ODI hundred against the West Indies.
Kohli smashed an unbeaten 139 in the first ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, helping India register an eight-wicket victory. During the innings, he crossed the 15,000-run mark in ODI cricket, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark. The century was also Kohli’s 55th in ODIs and 85th international hundred, according to the figures referenced during Samson’s press conference.
Asked about Kohli’s latest milestone and continued influence, Samson was unequivocal. “I think we are very, very fortunate to have someone like him.”
Samson said Kohli’s influence extends beyond his performances in matches. “Whenever he scores runs, whenever he turns out to practice, turns out to play a game of cricket for our country or wherever he does, I think it is a great inspiration for people like us still playing the game in the Indian national team.”
The Kerala batter added that playing alongside Kohli provides a significant benefit to younger and current members of the national setup. “Everyone playing alongside with him definitely benefits the way he puts on the performances. So, I think very happy to have him.”
Rain disrupts India’s preparations
While Kohli was producing another landmark performance in India, Samson and his Asian Games teammates have been battling the weather in Nagoya.
India’s quarter-final against Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain, with India progressing to the semi-finals as the higher-seeded side. Sri Lanka also advanced after its quarter-final against Nepal was washed out. India will therefore face Sri Lanka in the semi-final on October 1.
The lack of match practice has been a concern, with India having had only limited time in the middle during the tournament. Samson acknowledged the frustration but said the squad has used the enforced break to remain together and prepare in other ways.
Japan: Cricketer Sanju Samson on India’s Asian Games men’s cricket semi-final against Sri Lanka, says, "It was raining heavily… I think it was really good to witness some good rain here in Nagoya. So, we had some good time; we have been doing some team activities. We were… pic.twitter.com/z8GQSLcAZw
— IANS (@ians_india) September 30, 2026
“It was raining well. It was really good to witness some good rain here in Nagoya,” Samson said with a smile. He explained that the team had continued its preparations through gym sessions, conditioning, team activities and regular discussions about cricket and combinations.
“We were trying to do some practice for the team every day. But we were training and conditioning in the gym. So, we were spending time together. We were talking cricket and we were talking combinations.”
Samson said the team management has also been holding constant meetings to ensure the players remain mentally switched on despite the lack of cricket. “These are the times where we need to be a bit more aware that we need to switch on and suddenly play a big semi-final. So, we all are aware of that.”
With the sun finally appearing in Nagoya, Samson said the team was looking forward to getting back on the field. “Luckily, we have got a good sunny day today to practice and experience whatever we have to do tomorrow.”
‘We are very much excited to play a proper game’
The prolonged rain has meant India have spent almost 10 days in Japan with very little competitive cricket. Samson admitted the players are eager to finally get a full game under their belts.
“Yesterday we were having a chat in the gym. When the team is having a gym session, we are saying that, yes, I think we need to get out and play some game of cricket,” he said. “So, we all are very much excited to come and play a proper game of cricket. Hopefully, everything works out well tomorrow.”
The conditions in Nagoya will also present an unfamiliar challenge. Samson noted that most of the Indian players have never played at the venue before and that there are plenty of unknowns for both teams.
“I think conditions are a bit different. I think we have never played a game here in Nagoya. I think most of us are playing here for the first time,” he said. “There might be a lot of unknown factors. And it goes for the other team as well. So, both of the teams are coming here fresh.”
For Samson, that uncertainty could make the contest even more intriguing.
“We don’t know the conditions until we go out there and play a proper game of cricket. So, that is where the fun is. I think that is where any team can compete with any team.”
No room for complacency against Sri Lanka
Despite questions about Sri Lanka’s strength, Samson dismissed any possibility of India taking the semi-final lightly. “Every game is very crucial in this format. Especially in a T20 format, you can’t actually say a team is weaker or strong,” he said.
According to Samson, the shorter the format, the greater the importance of conditions and small moments. “The conditions play a huge role. And the shorter the format is, I think any team can dominate. I think there is a very small margin of error, and anyone can dominate at any point of the game.”
Japan: Cricketer Sanju Samson on India’s Asian Games men’s cricket semi-final against Sri Lanka, says, "Every game is very crucial in this format. Especially in a T20 format, you can't actually say a team is weaker or strong. So, the conditions play a huge role, and the shorter… pic.twitter.com/1SNPVKHyXe
— IANS (@ians_india) September 30, 2026
His message to the Indian team was straightforward: respect the opposition, remain aggressive and concentrate on executing the process. “We have to give each and every team equal respect and play with a great aggressive nature, and that’s what we have been known for and that’s what we’ll be doing.”
“So, we’ll be focusing on the process. Focusing on how we can play against them tomorrow, and the results will take care of itself.”
Samson points to India’s cricketing depth
The discussion also turned to the extraordinary depth available to Indian cricket, with multiple teams simultaneously representing the country across international, ‘A’ and age-group cricket.
Samson said the strength of Indian cricket has been built through sustained investment in both the IPL and domestic cricket. “It is a known fact nowadays how strong Indian cricket has grown from the last so many years. So, I think there has been some constant effort.”
While acknowledging the IPL’s enormous contribution, Samson stressed that India’s domestic system deserves equal credit. “Definitely IPL plays a huge role. But I feel our domestic cricket is also playing a huge role, actually.”
He said players continue to gain valuable experience by participating in domestic competitions whenever possible. “We have been constantly making great efforts to go out and play all the domestic matches whenever we get a chance, and that is where we tend to develop a lot of talent also.”
Samson specifically highlighted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy, while also pointing to India’s Under-19 teams travelling abroad and gaining exposure.
“Our grooming things are really nicely placed, actually,” he said.
“The Mushtaq Ali, the Vijay Hazare, the Ranji Trophy, even the Under-19 are travelling abroad every season actually. So, a great number of cricketers are coming from these kinds of games, which is a great thing for our country.”
From Kohli’s 139 to Nagoya’s semi-final
For Samson, then, Indian cricket’s present strength is visible at both ends of the spectrum from Kohli producing another historic ODI performance to a new generation of players representing India at the Asian Games.
While Kohli continues to pile up milestones and provide inspiration to those around him, Samson and the Asian Games squad face a different challenge: turning limited preparation into a high-pressure semi-final performance.
