Sanju Samson, who smashed three centuries in the space of five T20Is against Bangladesh and South Africa, has struggled to get going in the ongoing series against England.
The right-hander from Kerala has started the series with scores of 26 and 5 and has found it tough to get going against England’s tearaway quicks, especially his Rajasthan Royals teammate Jofra Archer. In this IND vs ENG clash, Samson’s battle against Archer’s short balls has become a focal point.
Jofra Archer is targeting Sanju with the same deliveries that have troubled him in the past. Recognizing this, Samson has taken proactive steps to counter this challenge.
Here’s How Sanju Samson Is Preparing
Sanju Samson took a new trick to face Jofra Archer and Mark Wood –
Sanju Samson practiced a plastic ball for 45 minutes on a cement pitch in Rajkot. After a conversation with India’s new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, Sanju Samson played a throw down with plastic ball for a long… pic.twitter.com/GbrXqHUhk9
— Satish Mishra 🇮🇳 (@SATISHMISH78) January 28, 2025
The opener was seen working closely with Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and throwdown specialists.
Samson worked with them for almost 45 minutes, during which time he was constantly fed short deliveries on a cemented pitch.
The throwdown specialists used plastic balls to generate higher pace, with Samson playing those pull, hook, and ramp shots.
Both Kotak and Samson were constantly seen talking to each other. Once he was done, Samson moved to the main practice pitches, once again focusing on short deliveries.
In the IND vs ENG series, Samson’s technique against the short ball has been under scrutiny.
His dismissals in both matches have been eerily similar, falling prey to Archer’s well-directed bouncers.
With each game, the pressure mounts not just on Samson but also on the team’s strategy, given the presence of Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings, eager to prove his mettle.
The training session in Rajkot, ahead of the third T20I, was perhaps the most telling sign of Samson’s preparation.
The use of plastic balls was strategic, designed to mimic the pace and bounce that Archer brings to the table.
The cemented pitch was chosen to replicate the uneven bounce that can occur, further challenging Samson’s reflexes and decision-making.
The session was not just about physical practice but also about mental conditioning.
Being able to anticipate and react to short deliveries with confidence is crucial, and Samson’s discussions with Kotak suggest a deep dive into tactical adjustments.
The IND vs ENG series has seen some electrifying performances, particularly from the Indian side in the opening games.
Abhishek Sharma, alongside Samson, has been utilized as an opener, bringing a different dynamic to the Indian batting lineup.
Sharma’s explosive 79 off 34 in the first T20I showcased the potential of this opening duo, yet his dismissal for 12 off 6 in Chennai reminds us of the volatility of T20 cricket.
However, it’s Samson’s battle with Archer that has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike.
It’s not just about surviving Archer’s barrage but also about dominating it.
Samson’s recent form before this series was exemplary, with those three centuries in five matches painting the picture of a player in peak condition.
Yet, the IND vs ENG series has posed a unique challenge, one where adaptation and resilience are tested.
The short ball, when bowled with precision and pace by someone like Archer, can undo even the best of plans.
Hence, Samson’s training regimen has been tailored to deal with this specific threat.
His practice sessions have been a blend of technical refinement and mental fortitude.
The pull and hook shots, in particular, require not just skill but also a fearless mindset.
The ramp shot, which Samson practiced, could be his wildcard move, offering a way to score off deliveries that others would merely defend or evade.
This preparation underscores Samson’s intent to not just survive but to score against Archer.
As the IND vs ENG series progresses, the spotlight on Samson intensifies.
Every practice session, every net session is geared towards ensuring that when he steps onto the field, he’s not just prepared for Archer but for any bowler who dares to challenge him with the short ball.
The psychological edge in such a contest can be just as important as the physical preparation.
Samson seems to understand this, focusing on not just the execution of shots but also on reading the bowler’s mind.
His approach in these training sessions reflects a broader strategy for Indian cricket, where players are encouraged to innovate and adapt.
The backing from the coaching staff, evident from Kotak’s involvement, shows the confidence in Samson’s potential to turn the tide in this series.
The IND vs ENG matches are not just about winning; they’re about proving mettle, both individually and collectively.
For Samson, the journey from those three centuries to struggling against Archer’s pace has been a learning curve.
It’s a narrative of resilience, where every failure is a lesson, every practice session an opportunity to get better.
The focus on short deliveries in his training is a testament to his acknowledgment of his vulnerabilities and his determination to overcome them.
As the series heads to its next chapter, all eyes will be on how Samson translates this preparation into performance.
Will he manage to pull off those shots with the same flair against Archer in match situations? Only time will tell.
But one thing is clear: Sanju Samson is leaving no stone unturned in preparing for what could be one of the defining battles of his career in this IND vs ENG series.
