Sanju Samson flags India's tight New Zealand schedule
Samson said India has one practice day before facing New Zealand, highlighting the tight schedule after the West Indies series ended in a 2-2 draw.
Sanju Samson said India will have only one day of batting practice before their first T20I against New Zealand on October 22 in Christchurch. The wicketkeeper-batter spoke to broadcasters ahead of the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru, which was abandoned due to rain. The series finished 2-2.
Samson noted that the quick turnaround leaves little time to adapt to conditions. He said the team would take two or three balls to assess the pitch and carry forward lessons from the West Indies series. India reached Christchurch on October 20 and will practice the following day.
The Bengaluru match was reduced to nine overs per side after a two-hour delay. India reached 118 for five in 7.4 overs before rain returned. West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl.
CricHubb Take
The schedule compression forces players to rely on muscle memory rather than preparation. That favours experience over raw talent and narrows the margin for error in the opening overs.