‘I know how do deal with pressure and my failures’ – Sanju Samson on Hyderabad century (Source – Twitter/X)
Star wicket=keeper-batter Sanju Samson’s brilliant century in the third T20I against Bangladesh helped Team India clean sweep the series 3-0. The final match in Hyderabad saw India post a record-breaking total of 297/6.
Consequently, the home team ended up posting their highest in T20Is, thanks largely to Samson’s impressive 111 off just 47 balls. For years, Samson’s talent has been evident, yet he hasn’t been able to perform consistently at the international level. This breakthrough inning showed his maturity and ability to handle pressure.
“(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,” Samson said during the presentation ceremony.
The leadership tells me they back me no matter what: Sanju Samson
Furthermore, Sanju Samson revealed that after playing so many games and being one of the most experienced players of team India, he knows how to handle pressure. He also mentioned that he wanted to show people his calibre of performing at the highest level. Besides, the Kerala-based batter also shed light on the influence of head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav and their approach towards leadership, focusing on creating a selfless team culture which has given favourable results.
“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. 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),” he continued.
“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,” Samson concluded.
Hardik Pandya who was awarded the Player of the Series shared similar thoughts about the team management and the environment within the team. Pandya credited Gambhir and Yadav for giving him the freedom to play his game.
“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.