Sixteen sixes in two games underscore the powerful blow that Sanju Samson has unleashed in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). While the Rajasthan Royals goalkeeper-hitter attributes increased fitness to one reason, his interaction with the captain of India’s Virat Kohli on the February New Zealand tour played a crucial role in a crucial change of perspective.
“I am a deep person. I keep thinking about my future, in which direction I am heading. I keep thinking about how many years I have left in my life. We will all die one day. At the same time, if I play cricket, one day I will finish. That led me to think that I can’t play cricket after 10-12 years. So if I’m not fit enough, I shouldn’t play, ”said the 25-year-old from Kerala, a native of nearby Thiruvananthapuram.
“An incredible experience happened when I was in the gym with Virat Kohli. I asked him why he put so much energy into physical work. She asked me ‘Sanju, how many years are you going to play?’ I said ‘I’m 25, I think I’ll play until I’m 35’. He said that after 10 years I can do anything, eat Kerala food, chase whatever I want. But after these 10 years you won’t be able to play cricket. So why don’t you give it your all in these 10 years? ‘That changed my perspective. ”
Samson also credits former Kerala top-class player Raiphi Vincent Gomez for his better physical condition.
“I have understood my game. It’s more about power shots, and it’s a little higher in the T20s. I was lucky enough to have those four or five months of training, increasing my strength and doing power exercises, “he said.” I had Raiphi bhai by my side. He has played cricket for Kerala and hails from the same place as me. He was always there to push me. ”
Samson scored a 74 of 32 balls in the first game against Chennai Super Kings and did better in a record 224 run chase against the Punjab Kings XI in the second game, scoring 85 of 42 balls. Against KXIP, it was Rahul Tewatia who surprised everyone by overcoming his initial struggle to get the bat to the ball by breaking five sixes on a Sheldon Cottrell over. Tewatia struggled to such an extent early on that hitting partner Samson even refused a single to stay on strike.
Glenn Maxwell (off-spin) was bowling at the time. I thought I’m a right-handed hitter and should take a chance against him. Also, Rahul hadn’t gotten into his scoring momentum yet, ”Samson said.
Tewatia: Zero to Hero
Tewatia has become the toast of the IPL and Rajasthan Royals after their 53 of 31 balls brought the team home on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Haryana player attributed the clarity provided by RR management about his role to his confidence despite the initial struggle.
“They sent me to number 4. The only plan was to go and face the bowlers. It was not decided before the game, but it was decided long before. When we started training in the United Arab Emirates and when we had video conferences during the lockdown, the team leadership was clear to me about my role. That really helped, ”he said.
“I am also a spinner. I play for Haryana, who has three international spinners in Yuzvendra Chahal, Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav. So, I’m not so used to Ranji Trophy. They use me more in List A and T20 games. I’m trying to take every opportunity. ”
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