Samson: 'I don't play to prove people wrong' after India chase down New Zealand in Christchurch

Sanju Samson said he does not play to prove critics wrong after India chased 226 to beat New Zealand by four wickets in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday.

India reached 227 in 19.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, with Samson's aggressive start setting the tone alongside Abhishek Sharma.

Samson struck 67 off 33 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes, and was named Player of the Match; he shared a 93-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma, who made 29 off 12 balls, in just 5.5 overs to give India early momentum in the chase.

Addressing the scrutiny around his performances, Samson said: "I don't know what people are talking on the outside. To be honest, you cannot think what social media is saying or what other people are saying. You just have to be in the process, be in a very different environment," he said. "Playing for Indian cricket is not easy. There is a lot of noise happening. A lot of people have their own comments. But I don't play this game with the mindset of proving people wrong."

On India’s batting approach, Samson explained that plans depend on game phases rather than target size, saying, "I don't think we would have played a bit differently, but I think it's different phases of the game where you have different approaches," Samson said. He added: "When you have had a really good start in the powerplay, we actually phrase it very differently. The powerplay is different, the middle overs are different, and the death overs stage is different. "So even if you're chasing 170 and if you've got off to a flyer, we make sure that we kill the game in the powerplay itself. That's what we have been doing really well in the last couple of years."

Samson acknowledged the limitations of any single approach but emphasised team-first thinking: "That's what we came up with and we try to do that every game. Sometimes it comes off nicely, sometimes it doesn't, but we have to keep believing in ourselves and keep the team in front," he added.

Discussing the packed schedule and fitness emphasis, Samson said: "Last couple of months, we have been playing a lot of games, but to be honest, I feel very lucky that we are playing games. I would prefer playing games instead of not playing games," Samson said. He recalled a post-England series meeting on workload: "After the England series, we had a very strong meeting where I think things were communicated very properly that we have a very tight schedule coming up, so make sure you do your fitness routines nicely," he said. "The team has put in some really proper work towards it and physically we are definitely in a great state, and mentally also. We travel in business class, we stay in really big hotels, so we can't complain."

On the short turnaround into the Christchurch game and his preparation, Samson pointed to the work put in at training: "Not only me, I could see each and every player putting in that extra effort yesterday, knowing that there is only one day to prepare, but we will make sure everything is 100 per cent before we go and play that game," he added. He also referenced the confidence gained from recent key wins: "When you play for your country and win crucial matches, your mental frame becomes a bit different," he said. "I have been very lucky that I got that a few months ago. It's very important to have that confidence every time you walk out to bat for your country, so definitely it is there in my mind."

India will look to build on their opening-match victory when they face New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 24.