Sanju Samson Talks About Failure And The ‘Wi-Fi Problem’
NEW DELHI-India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson acknowledged the weight of expectations that comes with playing for the country, admitting that another failure can bring a fresh wave of scrutiny, but said he has learned to accept that pressure and continue playing with the same attacking intent.
Samson made the admission after smashing 57 off 22 balls in the second T20I against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sept. 15, helping India seal the three-match series with a 2-0 lead.
“Being an Indian cricketer, it’s not easy to face failures, but that’s where my experience comes in. I think I try to shut out the noise and try to be confident and try to come out and still keep scoring at a high strike rate—even taking the chances, even taking the knowing that if I fail again, I’ll be facing a lot of noise again. But I think that’s the way we are built here in Indian cricket, and I just go out there and try to score maximum and contribute,” Samson said at the post-match press conference.
The 31-year-old batter said that approach inevitably comes with a degree of risk.
“To be very honest, I think it’s the nature of the format. I think the nature of the way we have been playing from last two-three years. So, we are actually the world champions now and we have a format, an approach which has been very successful. So, we are just following it as we were following it last two-three years. So, just watching the ball and just trying to get maximum out in the powerplay. Sometimes it works out well, sometimes it doesn’t work out well,” he added.
Samson also spoke about the competition for places in India’s top three, saying the players involved do not view one another in the same way as outsiders do.
“They are competitors for the outside world, but we are a team and we are playing for a country and we want to win the game first, and then it comes down to other individuals.”
The wicketkeeper-batter also credited India’s leadership group for maintaining communication with players when difficult selection calls have to be made. Reflecting on his own omission, he said he understood why the team management backed another in-form youngster.
“Taking hard decisions is not easy. Taking very popular decisions is the easiest thing, but as a leadership group, we have been taking some really tough calls keeping the team first. So, that’s where credit goes to our team’s leadership group.”
For Samson, dealing with outside noise does not mean being immune to it. He admitted that criticism can hurt before explaining how he brings himself back to what matters.
“I try to turn off my Wi-Fi! But sometimes the Wi-Fi gets turned on and I end up seeing comments, or some senior player says something.
“Initially, it does feel bad; I’m not a machine or a robot to say “No, it doesn’t affect me.” It definitely affects you, and you get a bit impacted, but then you talk to yourself and remind yourself who you are and what you need to do.”
Samson said being clear about his mindset and preparation is what allows him to continue playing with attacking intent despite the scrutiny.
“Outside noise does affect cricketers in India, but you need to be very clear about your mindset, how you need to prepare, and with what mindset you need to play.
“If I focused on those things, I wouldn’t be able to bat this way. Before hitting a shot, I’d think ten times, ‘Man, if I get out, it’ll become a Wi-Fi problem again!’ So I thought, it’s fine.” (IANS)
