Tue Jan 28 15:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Samson Prepares for England Pace Assault with Focused Net Session
**Rajkot, India –** Indian T20I batsman Sanju Samson arrived early for practice at the Saurashtra Cricket Association ground on Monday, dedicating a significant portion of his training to combating the short-pitched bowling that has troubled him in the ongoing series against England. The focus of his extended net session, which lasted over an hour, was specifically on improving his play against the rising ball.
Samson, who has been dismissed twice by Jofra Archer with short deliveries in the first two matches, worked extensively with new batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and throwdown specialists. He practiced pull, hook, ramp, and cut shots, receiving a barrage of short-pitched deliveries – including from plastic balls on a cemented pitch – to hone his technique. Kotak was observed providing regular feedback during the session.
The England pace attack, particularly Archer and Mark Wood, has presented a significant challenge to the Indian opening pair of Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Samson’s preparation suggests a determined effort to overcome this weakness ahead of the crucial third T20I on Tuesday.
Despite a successful recent run including two centuries in a South Africa T20I series and another against Bangladesh, Samson’s omission from the ODI Champions Trophy squad adds further pressure. However, his dedicated practice session indicates he’s confident of a strong performance in Rajkot and silencing his critics.
First Piper 