'I don’t play this game to prove anyone wrong': Sanju Samson after India's 1st T20I win over New Zealand

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has stressed the importance of trusting his process and staying focused on his game despite the criticism and opinions that come with playing for the national team. His comments came after India chased down 230/6 with two balls remaining to record their highest-ever successful run chase in T20I cricket, beating New Zealand by four wickets in the opening match of the five-game series.

Samson said he does not play to silence critics. Instead, he focuses on his preparation, keeps things simple and avoids letting social media reactions affect his mindset.

“To be very honest, you can’t focus on what people on social media or others are saying. You have to stay committed to the process and create the right environment for yourself. Playing for Indian cricket is not easy, with so much noise and so many people having their own opinions. But I don’t play this game with the mindset of proving anyone wrong. I keep my cricket at the forefront, trust my process, respect my practice and focus on doing the best I can. I like to keep things simple and stay focused on what I can control, rather than letting outside opinions influence my mindset,” Samson told reporters after the match.

Samson backs India’s aggressive approach

Samson played a key role in the chase, scoring 67 off 33 balls to give India a strong start. However, a middle-order collapse put the team under pressure before Naman Dhir struck an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries to seal the victory.

Samson credited India’s attacking approach across the powerplay, middle overs and final overs for helping the team achieve the record chase. He said the team has continued to back this style of cricket since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“We approach the powerplay, middle overs and death overs very differently. Even when chasing 170, if we get off to a flying start, we make sure we try to finish the game in the powerplay itself. That’s something we’ve been doing really well over the last couple of years,” Samson said.

He added that India must continue trusting their approach, even when it does not always produce the desired results.

Samson said the team’s priority is to build on what works, play to their strengths and put the team’s interests first. India’s four-wicket win gives them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with the second T20I next on the schedule.

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