After a shaky start in the first T20I against Afghanistan, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson bounced back with a blistering 57 off 22 balls in the second match, giving India a commanding start to their chase.
India opener Sanju Samson acknowledged that criticism and outside noise do affect him, but his experience has trained him to handle such situations with composure.
Samson had a rocky start in the first T20 against Afghanistan before turning things around on Tuesday with a smashing performance in the second T20 international match, scoring 57 off 22 deliveries to give India a compelling start during the chase.
‘I am not a robot. You get a bit affected’
Speaking to reporters after the match, Samson admitted that he is not immune to pressure and is affected by criticism. But he has managed those distractions by having a clear mindset, preparation, and focus on how to play.
He added that paying attention to the noise would restrict him from performing at the level he does.
“I feel a little bad. I am not a machine. I am not a robot. You kind of get a bit affected. But then you try to talk to yourself and tell them what you are and what you need to do.
“Yes, outside noise does affect the cricketers in India. But you need to be very clear about your mindset. How do you want to prepare? How do you want to play? If I had paid attention to those things, I wouldn’t have been able to bat like this,” Samson said.
More from FirstcricketSamson speaks on competition with Vaibhav
Samson has been facing stiff competition from 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for the opening role, which is why he had to sit out of the England T20 tour to make way for his historic debut.
The wicketkeeper-batter said that it was an understandable decision from a leadership perspective and has also made tough calls as captain.
“He was in form, and he wanted to win games in that series. It was very understandable from a leadership kind of a thing. I think, as I told before, I have been in this situation. I have also taken a lot of tough calls as a captain, so I understand. That’s where the communication comes in,” the wicketkeeper-batter added.
Having already secured the series with two wins, it remains to be seen whether the Indian team management will continue with Sanju Samson in the third T20 match or hand Vaibhav the chance.