“There is our actor Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke award. He has been acting for 20, 30, 40 years. I have been playing for India for 10 years now. So I can’t come and say, ‘I can only do the role of a hero’.” I need to be a villain, a prankster, play all kinds of roles.” – Sanju Samson
These words of Sanju Samson capture a rare honesty about professional sports. Instead of demanding a permanent lead role, Samson likened his career to the long acting journey of Mohanlal, one of the most versatile performers in Indian cinema.
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For years, Samson struggled to secure a permanent place in the Indian team. Sometimes he opened the bat. Other times he was moved down the order.
There were also long periods when he was completely absent. Many players see such changes as setbacks. Samson took a different view.
His analogy with Mohanlal reveals a philosophy of adaptability. In cinema, the legendary actor plays heroes, villains, comedians or supporting roles depending on the story.
Samson applied the same thinking to cricket. Instead of insisting on a single role, he decided to contribute wherever the team needed him.
This mindset received strong confirmation during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Samson produced a memorable 97 not out from 50 balls against the West Indies on 1 March 2026, guiding India to the semi-finals.
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The shift had a deeper meaning. Critics have long questioned whether Samson can finish the chase under pressure. He answered those doubts by going undefeated and driving the team home.
What does this mean
Samson’s quote emphasizes the importance of versatility. Success doesn’t always come from being a hero every day.
Sometimes growth comes from playing smaller roles and learning new responsibilities. Each experience adds skill and resilience.
The quote also emphasizes patience. Careers rarely follow a straight path. Waiting for the right moment often requires humility and perseverance.
Instead of protecting his ego, Samson chose adaptability. This decision eventually led to his “blockbuster”.
Where does it come from?
Sanju Samson has been a part of Indian cricket for more than a decade. Despite his immense talent, he often moved in and out of the national side.
During interviews in the T20 World Cup campaign, Samson explained how he stopped worrying about batting positions. He compared the team environment to a movie scene where the captain and coaches act as directors.
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His lookalike Mohanlal quickly became popular among fans. She reflected both humility and maturity.
How to apply it today
Takeaway 1: Be flexible with the roles you play in your career.
Takeaway 2: Treat setbacks as training rather than failure.
Takeaway 3: Focus on contributing to the greater cause rather than protecting your ego.
Versatility often creates unexpected opportunities.
Sanju Samson’s journey shows that sometimes a ‘supporting actor’ quietly prepares for the biggest performance of all.
Related reading
Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar
A detailed account of adaptation to pressure in international cricket.
Driven: The Virat Kohli Story by Vijay Lokapalla
It explores the discipline and mindset of one of the greatest players in modern cricket.
The Ride of Life by Robert Iger
Lessons in leadership, adaptability and long-term vision.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
He explains how small habits and adaptability shape long-term success.
