Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 11:08 IST, October 13th 2024

'I Know How To Deal With Pressure'- Sanju Samson Hits Back At Critics After Super Ton Against BAN

Sanju Samson has hit back at critics with his bat and his mouth after India whitewashed Bangladesh in their T20I series.

Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
Sanju Samson celebrates against Bangladesh | Image: AP
Advertisement

India's third T20 against Bangladesh was absolute carnage as India put up 297 runs on the board in 20 overs. The biggest role in this carnage belongs to Indian batter Sanju Samson who played a destructive knock of 111 off just 47 balls. The innings had 11 fours and 8 sixes. Sanju Samson has had an up and down sorts of career for India. He has missed the cut for the India squad for several important tournaments even after performing well constantly. Yesterday's knock was proof of that fact. 

There are several critics of Samson too who believe he is not consistent with his performances and is not a good fit for the Indian team. Sanju Samson after his knock yesterday has fired back at his critics. 

Advertisement

Sanju Samson Hits Back At Critics 

For someone whose immense talent hasn’t really blossomed at the international stage on a consistent basis so far, Sanju Samson was on Saturday a relieved man after hitting his maiden T20I ton in the third game against Bangladesh , but conceded he too has felt he "can do much better".

Samson hammered eight sixes and 11 fours to make 111 off only 47 balls while also recording the second-fastest T20I ton by an Indian -- off just 40 balls.

Advertisement

Samson’s ton powered India to a record total of 297/6, their highest-ever in the format and second highest overall.

“(I am) very happy that they (teammates) are happy I did well. It can get frustrating knowing what you can do out there, and I have also felt I can do much better,” he said during the presentation ceremony after India’s 3-0 series win with a 133-run hammering of Bangladesh in the third and final T20I.

Advertisement

“But, with playing so many games I know how do deal with pressure and my failures because I have failed a lot. Just focus was on process and knowing you will do well.

Read More: West Indies vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming: How To Watch The First T20I?

Advertisement

“Playing for your country, that pressure was there, but I wanted to perform and wanted to show. But I still kept it basic and wanted to take it by one ball (at a time)." Samson said he has got the full backing of the team leadership.

“The leadership tells me they back me no matter what... not just in words but in actions also. Last series I got two ducks and went back to Kerala thinking what will happen, but I'm here,” he said.

SKY's Focus On Creating A Selfless Team 

All-rounder Hardik Pandya , named the Player of the Series for his impactful batting performances, credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Suryakumar Yadav for his impressive show.

“The kind of freedom skipper and coach have given is fantastic for the whole group. At the end of the day if you can enjoy the sport you can get the maximum out of yourself,” he said.

Suryakumar said the emphasis has been on creating a “selfless” team. 

Read More: Team India Completes Clean Sweep in 3rd T20I Against Bangladesh

“(I) wanted to have selfless cricketers and want to be a selfless team, enjoy each others' performances. That camaraderie is coming off,” he said.

“Gauti bhai ( Gautam Gambhir ) said the same thing before the series that no one is bigger than the team, no matter you are on 49 or 99, you have to hit the ball out of the field. That's what Sanju did,” Suryakumar added.

India spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who completed 50 wickets in the shortest format, said there is a healthy competition in the team.

“Healthy competition is good pressure. I wasn't under pressure but didn't want to let go of the opportunity given tonight,” he said.

Losing captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said Bangladesh must change the pitches that they have been playing on at home in order to improve.

“We need to believe in ourselves that we can compete against any team. We need to change our home wickets and players need to take responsibilities,” he said. 

(With PTI Inputs)

11:08 IST, October 13th 2024