India’s ace batter Sanju Samson has opened up about the intense competition for a place at the top of India’s T20I batting order, admitting that the constant scrutiny surrounding selection can affect cricketers.

Samson spoke at a press conference after producing a stunning match-winning knock of 57 off just 22 balls against Afghanistan on Tuesday, helping India secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

With Samson and Abhishek Sharma opening the first two matches, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been left out despite an impressive run in the preceding series against Zimbabwe, where he was named Player of the Series.

‘We are playing for a country’

Samson said he does not view Sooryavanshi and Abhishek as direct rivals, stressing that the team’s priority remains winning matches rather than individual selection battles.

“I think they (Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma) are competitors for the outside world, but we are a team, and we are playing for a country. We want to win the game first, and then it comes down to the other individuals,” Samson said during the post-match press conference.

He added that players cannot afford to become frustrated when someone else is picked ahead of them.

“We can’t sulk or be in a negative frame of mind, thinking, ‘Yaar, mujhe nahi mila, usko kyun diya.’ (Dude, I did not land a chance, how come he did). Those kinds of mindsets don’t work here,” he said.

Samson admits ‘outside noise’ can have an impact

The 31-year-old also offered a light-hearted take on how he deals with criticism and speculation surrounding team selection.

“I try to switch the Wi-Fi off. But sometimes the Wi-Fi gets switched on, and comments become visible. Some senior player says something,” Samson said.

India's top batters Samson (Left) and Sooryawanshi (Right)

He acknowledged that criticism and external discussion can affect players, particularly in Indian cricket, but stressed the importance of maintaining a clear mindset.

“So I think it’s very normal. Definitely, outside noise does affect cricketers in India. But you need to be very clear about your mindset, how you need to prepare, and the mindset you need to play with,” he added.

‘I’m not a machine’

Samson’s comments come after a period of uncertainty over his place in the T20I side. He was dropped after struggling for runs in two T20Is against Ireland and another against England, despite having previously won the Player of the Tournament award at the T20 World Cup.

He returned for the fifth and final T20I against England after Sooryavanshi was given opportunities in three matches. Sooryavanshi subsequently made a strong impression against Zimbabwe, scoring 151 runs in three games.

Samson said experience has helped him deal with the pressure surrounding selection and performance.

“I think I have been mature enough and experienced enough to know how to handle it. Earlier, it used to hurt a little. I’m not a machine. We are not robots, so we can say, ‘No, it doesn’t affect me.’ Definitely, it affects you,” he said. He added that allowing such thoughts to dominate his mind would only hurt his performance.

“If I paid attention to those things, I couldn’t bat like this. Before hitting a shot, I would think ten times, ‘Yaar, out ho gaya toh phir Wi-Fi problem ho jayega (The Wi-fi woes would return if I get out).’ So instead, I tell myself, ‘Koi baat nahi’ (It’s okay),” Samson said.