November 9, 2024: Sanju Samson’s approach to preparation ahead of the T20I series against South Africa sheds light on his methodical and strategic mindset as a cricketer. His focus on adapting to local conditions, especially with the bounce and pace typical of South African pitches, highlights the importance of tailoring training for specific challenges posed by foreign environments.
In his comments, Samson emphasized the value of diverse practice sessions, including using various balls and replicating different pitch conditions. This tailored approach, he believes, gives him a significant advantage when transitioning between formats and conditions. His ability to seamlessly adjust, as evidenced by his quick preparation after his Ranji Trophy match, indicates his sharp adaptability and focus on maximizing his game time.
His performance in the first T20I, where he smashed a blistering 107 runs from 50 balls—an innings featuring seven fours and ten sixes—demonstrated how effective his preparation was. The knock was not just a reflection of his natural talent, but also a result of the meticulous groundwork he had put in before the series. The fact that he hit the ground running in such challenging conditions underscores the importance of adapting to varied conditions, which, as Samson mentioned, helped him get off to a strong start without taking much time to get settled.
Samson’s philosophy of not just practicing, but practicing with purpose—focusing on different pitches and scenario-based training—could serve as a great model for any cricketer looking to prepare for high-pressure international tours.
