India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has described Virat Kohli as a major source of inspiration for Indian cricketers, saying the current generation is fortunate to have a player of his stature around the national team. Kohli recently produced a sensational innings in the first ODI against West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

The veteran batter smashed an unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls, including 10 fours and nine sixes, as India chased down a target of 296 in only 41.4 overs. Sanu Samson is currently part of India’s T20I squad at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. Speaking ahead of India’s semifinal against Sri Lanka in Nisshin on Thursday, October 1, he praised Kohli’s impact both on and off the field.

“I think we are very, very fortunate to have someone like him. Whenever he scores runs, whenever he turns up to practice or play a game of cricket for our country, I think it’s a great inspiration for people like us still playing for the Indian national team.”

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Kohli’s unbeaten century against West Indies was his 55th in ODI cricket and 86th at the international level. During the innings, he also became only the second batter in men’s ODI cricket to cross the 15,000-run mark, adding another major milestone to his already decorated career.

While India’s ODI team is currently involved in the West Indies series, the T20I squad is competing at the Asian Games. India A and the Under-19 side are also involved in international assignments, highlighting the depth available within Indian cricket.

Samson credited the Indian Premier League and the country’s domestic cricket system for playing important roles in developing this talent. He believes the combination has helped create a strong pathway for young players to progress towards international cricket.

“It’s a known fact nowadays how strong Indian cricket has grown over the last so many years. There has been constant effort. Definitely, the IPL plays a huge role, but I feel our domestic cricket is also playing a huge role.”

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India also secured their place in the Asian Games semifinals after their quarterfinal against Afghanistan was washed out. The result went in India’s favour because of their higher seeding, keeping their campaign on track for a place in the final.