Wed Jan 29 17:22:16 UTC 2025: ## Sanju Samson’s Short-Ball Struggle Continues Against Archer in India-England T20 Series
**Rajkot, India:** Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson’s struggles against England’s Jofra Archer continued in the third T20I, marking his third consecutive dismissal to the same bowler in the series. All three dismissals followed a similar pattern: Archer bowled a short-pitched delivery, and Samson, attempting a pull or hook shot, was caught. While the catcher differed each time – Gus Atkinson in Eden Gardens, Brydon Carse in Chennai, and Adil Rashid in Rajkot – the result remained consistent.
Samson’s difficulties have sparked significant debate. Following his dismissals in the first two matches, criticism, including from former cricketer Aakash Chopra, intensified. Despite dedicated practice sessions with India’s new batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, focusing on pull and hook shots with plastic balls, the issue persisted. His frustration was evident after the Rajkot match.
However, former England player Kevin Pietersen defended Samson, highlighting his impressive strike rate against short balls in the previous IPL season, where Samson topped the stats. Pietersen argued that Samson is a naturally aggressive batsman and shouldn’t be judged solely on three dismissals.
Conversely, others, including Ambati Rayudu, criticized Samson’s technique, particularly his tendency not to move across the crease before attempting pull shots.
The debate continues whether Samson’s dismissal is a technical flaw or a temporary slump. Regardless, the pressure is on Samson to address his weaknesses and regain his form in the upcoming matches.
First Piper 