Tue Jan 28 18:51:44 UTC 2025: **Sanju Samson Undergoes Intense Practice Session to Counter Short-Pitch Bowling**
Rajkot, India – Indian cricketer Sanju Samson has undertaken an intensive practice session focused on combating short-pitched deliveries, particularly in preparation for the upcoming T20I match. This follows his dismissals in the first two T20Is against England, where he fell victim to England’s short-ball strategy, especially the deliveries bowled by Jofra Archer.
Samson’s practice session at the Rajkot Cricket Stadium involved 45 minutes of rigorous net practice with plastic balls, emphasizing pull and hook shots. He worked extensively with the Indian batting coach and throwdown specialist, focusing on playing bouncers on pitches with extra bounce. He also incorporated ramp and cut shots into his practice. Following the net session, Samson spent another 30 minutes practicing in the main square, again concentrating on short-pitched deliveries.
Samson’s struggles against short balls were highlighted by commentators, including Aakash Chopra, who noted his vulnerability to deliveries exceeding 140 kph. While he displayed explosive hitting at times, scoring 22 runs off one over against Atkins in Eden Gardens, his overall scores in the first two matches (26 and 5 runs respectively) were modest, with both dismissals involving catches off Archer’s short balls. His intensive practice session suggests a determined effort to overcome this weakness and perform strongly in the upcoming match.
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