Sanju Samson says he does not play to prove critics wrong
Samson downplayed social media scrutiny and said India looks to finish games early in the powerplay after their record chase.
Sanju Samson said he does not play cricket to prove his critics wrong after scoring 67 off 33 balls in India's four-wicket win over New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday. The wicketkeeper-batsman insisted he focuses on the process rather than outside noise.
Samson said conversations with Abhishek Sharma during their 94-run opening stand amounted to little more than watching the ball and hitting hard. He added that India tries to kill games in the powerplay when they get a strong start, regardless of the target. Naman Dhir finished unbeaten on 42 off 15 balls to help India reach 227 in 19.4 overs.
The second T20I will be played at the same venue on Saturday. India lead the five-match series 1-0.
CricHubb Take
Samson's refusal to engage with selection noise shifts the burden onto the selectors. If he keeps scoring at this rate, they must either keep him in or explain why they prefer someone else.