Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Sanju Samson Discusses Criticism and India’s Opening-Slot Competition
Sanju Samson played very well for India against Afghanistan.
He scored 57 runs from only 22 balls in the second T20I.
India won that match by seven wickets and secured the series.
Samson said criticism can hurt cricketers because they have feelings.
He tries to focus on preparation and how he wants to play.
He believes listening too much to outside comments could stop him from batting freely.
Samson also talked about competing with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for an opening place.
He said players should accept difficult team decisions and be ready when their opportunity comes.
Sanju Samson scored 57 off 22 balls in India’s series-clinching seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second T20I.
Samson said criticism and outside noise can affect cricketers because they are not machines or robots.
He said clear preparation, mindset and focus helped him avoid overthinking and play aggressively.
Samson called the decision to select 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi understandable when the youngster was in form.
He said players should not sulk over selection and should remain positive toward competitors while putting the team first.
- Who
- Sanju Samson, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- What
- Samson discussed handling criticism and competition for India’s opening position after scoring 57 off 22 balls against Afghanistan.
- When
- Tuesday, during the second T20I; the specific date was not stated.
- Where
- New Delhi, according to one article.
- Why
- Samson was responding to questions about criticism, selection decisions and competition for the top-order batting spots.
Samson’s View
Selection Perspective
Handling criticism
Samson’s View
Samson acknowledged that outside noise and comments can affect cricketers, but said preparation and a clear mindset help him stay focused.
Selection Perspective
The articles describe criticism as part of the scrutiny faced by Indian cricketers, without presenting a separate response from the critics.
Opening-slot selection
Samson’s View
Samson said players should not sulk or become negative when another batter receives an opportunity, and should support their competitors as teammates.
Selection Perspective
The leadership perspective favored selecting Sooryavanshi when he was in form and the team was trying to win the England series; Samson called that decision understandable.
- Match performance
- Samson scored 57 runs off 22 balls in the second T20I against Afghanistan.
- Match result
- India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets.
- Series status
- The victory secured the series for India after two wins.
- Main pressure
- Samson faces competition for an opening position in India’s top order.
- Competitor
- The competition includes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- Samson’s approach
- He said he focuses on preparation, mindset and process rather than results.
- Selection view
- Samson said difficult selection decisions can be understandable when they are made with the team’s interests in mind.
