Sanju Samson's candid take on team's environment ahead of IND vs PAK Super Four clash, says 'Suryakumar Yadav and Gauti bhai...'

India's primary wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson, has attributed the positive atmosphere within the T20I team to the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir. According to Samson, they have fostered an environment of equality and freedom that has allowed players to perform without pressure.

Sanju Samson on positive atmosphere within team

In a video shared by the BCCI after India's Asia Cup group-stage victory against Oman, Samson explained how this team culture has helped players express themselves more freely on the field.

"I have to give a lot of credit to our team leaders Surya and Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) for how they are keeping the environment.. It's a very chilled environment. It's a very equal environment. Everyone is treated very equally and everyone is given equal importance in the side,” Samson said in a video shared by BCCI.

Sanju Samson believes that this kind of team atmosphere, where players feel equal and free to express themselves, is what helps bring out their best performances on the field.

"I think that really brings up the best out of yourself and that's what is required in this format. To be very free and to be responsible. I think the way you give freedom to the team, the teammate," he further added.

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Batting at number three against Oman, Sanju Samson scored a composed half-century to anchor India’s innings, and he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spend time in the middle.

"To be honest, I think I'm really grateful to get some time in the middle. I've been playing a few games back home, but playing for the country, for the Asia Cup, getting some game time in the middle really helped," Sanju stated.

Samson also admitted that Oman challenged India early on with their bowling. "I think Oman were bowling well in the powerplay; they knew the conditions a bit better than us," he explained. "So we took some time in between, and we had to respect the opponents and the conditions." He also mentioned that he enjoyed his brief partnership with Abhishek Sharma, noting that it was a lot of fun because "he keeps it very simple."

According to Samson, this team atmosphere has encouraged players to take more responsibility, both on and off the field.

"I think they also feel responsible to take care of their own performance and also contribute to the team's atmosphere," he said, adding that he is "really enjoying it."

With India advancing to the Super 4 stage, Samson's form could be crucial, especially as they prepare for a high-stakes Super Four match against Pakistan which is scheduled to be played on September 21.