India wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson has voiced his frustration regarding the hectic international cricket calendar, pointing out the lack of adequate preparation time. Following the conclusion of the five-match T20I series against the West Indies, Samson revealed that the squad managed only a single practice session throughout the entire assignment.
The series culminated in a rain-abandoned final fixture in Bengaluru, leaving the two teams tied 2-2 in the contest. Samson experienced a volatile run of form across the matches, registering scores of 11, 82, 3, 56, and 16. Addressing the media after the washed-out finale, the veteran batsman explained how constant travel and zero training windows force players to rely entirely on experience.
The Challenge of Constant Travel
Modern bilateral cricket schedules often feature matches packed tightly together across different venues, leaving minimal room for recovery or tactical refinement. Samson detailed how the squad frequently moved between cities and stepped straight onto the match pitch without any prior net sessions. To overcome these hurdles, players must maintain strong mental resilience and adapt quickly to unfamiliar conditions.
- Hectic Itinerary: India played five T20Is against West Indies with only one scheduled practice session.
- Constant Movement: The team travelled to a different city for nearly every match of the series.
- Reliance on Experience: Senior players had to utilize past knowledge instead of pitch-specific practice.
- Series Outcome: The final encounter in Bengaluru was washed out due to rain, ending the series in a 2-2 deadlock.
Adapting Without Net Practice
Without the luxury of practice matches or extended training blocks, Samson noted that batters must use the opening deliveries of an innings to gauge the pace and bounce of the surface. He emphasized that respecting the pitch during the first few overs is essential for survival when proper preparation is absent. Meanwhile, the Indian team faces another swift turnaround as preparations begin for an upcoming tour.
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