The power-hitting Sanju Samson unleashed in the Indian Premier League ( IPL) 2020 is highlighted by 16 sixes in two matches.
Although the Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper-batsman credits increased fitness as a cause, on the New Zealand tour in February, his interaction with India skipper Virat Kohli played a crucial role in a crucial change of mindset.
“I’m a very profound person. I keep thinking about my future, the path I’m going to take. I begin to worry about how many years I have left in my life. One day, everybody will die. At the same time, if I play cricket, one day I’ll be done.
That made me think that after 10-12 years, I couldn’t play cricket. So, I shouldn’t play if I’m not fit enough,’ said the 25-year-old Kerala player, who comes from near Thiruvananthapuram.
When I was in the gym with Virat Kohli, an incredible experience happened. I asked why he was putting so much energy into his fitness work. He asked me, ‘Sanju, how many years will you be playing for?
‘I said,’ I’m 25, I think I’m going to play until I am 35.’ He said I could do something after ten years, eat Kerala food, follow whatever I want. “But you won’t be able to play cricket after ten years. So, in 10 years, why don’t you give it all away? ‘That has altered my outlook.’
For his improved health, Samson also credits former first-class Kerala player Raiphi Vincent Gomez.
“I knew what my game was. It’s all about power-hitting, and in the T20s it’s a little bit higher.
I was blessed to have been practising for four-five months, to increase my strength and to do pressure exercises, “he said,” I have Raiphi Bhai by my side. For Kerala, he played cricket and hails from the same place as I do. He was there always to drive me.
In the first game against Chennai Super Kings, Samson scored a 32-ball 74 and did better in the IPL record 224-run chase against Kings XI Punjab in the second game, scoring a 42-ball 85.
Against KXIP, it was Rahul Tewatia who shocked everyone by overcoming Sheldon Cottrell’s early battle to put bat to the ball by smashing five sixes in an over. Early on, Tewatia struggled to such an extent that batting partner Samson also declined to remain on strike with a single.
“At the time, Glenn Maxwell (off-spin) was bowling. I thought that I was a right-handed batsman and that I should take risks against him. Rahul was also about to get into his scoring momentum,’ said Samson.
Tewatia: from zero to hero
After his 31-ball 53 brought the team home on Sunday, Tewatia became the IPL and Rajasthan Royals’ toast.
In spite of the initial struggle, the 27-year-old Haryana player credited clarification provided by the RR leadership on his position to his trust. “I was dispatched to No. 4. The only strategy was to go with the bowlers and take them on.
It was not decided before even the match, but it was decided much earlier. The team management was clear to me about my role when we started training in the UAE, and when we had video meetings during the lockdown.
Really, that helped, “he said.
I’m a leg-spinner as well. I play for Haryana with Yuzvendra Chahal, Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav, who have three international spinners.
So, I don’t use the Ranji Trophy as much. In List A and T20 games, I’m using more. I am trying to make any chance count.
