![Sanju Samson [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792675223525_Sanju_Samson.jpg?type=hq)
Sanju Samson [Source: AFP]
Team India recorded its highest successful run chase in T20I history by overcoming New Zealand in a high-scoring thriller in Christchurch. Sanju Samson played the lead role in India’s series-leading victory with a blistering knock of 67 off just 33 balls.
After the match, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter confronted a reporter who asked the cricketer whether India’s Christchurch triumph was an indication that the ‘Men in Blue’ are not merely ‘flat-pitch’ masters.
Sanju Samson says he does not care about social media critics
While speaking with the reporters during the post-match press conference, ‘Player of the Match’ Sanju Samson was asked if India’s Christchurch win proved that their explosive batting techniques can thrive on challenging conditions, especially after team’s shocking series defeats in Ireland England a few months ago.
The 31-year-old responded that he was not aware of such allegations, claiming that he does not care about social media critics. Sanju Samson further stated that he believes in his own process, since “players cannot afford to take any criticism personally” because it could affect their own game further.
He explained “See I don’t care about what critics are talking about outside. To be honest, you can’t think what the social media is saying, you just have to be in the process. Playing Indian cricket is not easy, there are a lot of noise happening.”
Sanju Samson added “If we think criticism and apply to our game just to prove them wrong, we can’t play our game in that mindset. I respect my process, I respect my practice, and I go out and do my best possible work actually.”
Chasing 226 runs for a win, Samson bludgeoned 67 runs off just 33 balls with eight cracking boundaries and four huge sixes at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch against New Zealand in India’s first T20I of the five-match series.
His innings, coupled with cracking cameos from Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir stormed India to its all-time highest successful run chase to take a 1-0 lead on the tour.
Is Team India really a ‘flat pitch’ bully?
Team India won the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year while playing most of their matches on high-scoring batting friendly surfaces. Moreover, just a few months after the tournament, the ‘Men in Blue’ suffered demoralizing series whitewashes in Ireland and England.
However, to call Team India a ‘flat-pitch’ bully based on those results would be an oversimplification, especially after their emphatic run chase in Christchurch.
For starters, less than a year ago, India secured a 2-1 T20I series win over Australia on Australian soil. The ‘Men in Blue’ also registered a 3-1 series win in challenging South African conditions in late-2024.
Under Suryakumar Yadav, Team India lifted the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, conditions which generally favour spin and poses significant challenges for batters.
The Christchurch triumph, therefore, offered another compelling reminder that India’s batting prowess extends well beyond the friendlier confines of flat pitches.
