Samson says team activities keeping India 'switched on' ahead of Sri Lanka semifinal
With rain severely restricting India's cricketing activities in Japan, opener Sanju Samson said constant team meetings, gym sessions and off-field activities have helped the players stay mentally prepared for their Asian Games semifinal against Sri Lanka here on Thursday.
India have been in Japan for around 10 days but have managed only a five-overs-a-side game against Japan on September 22 because of persistent rain. Their opening Asian Games match, a quarterfinal against Afghanistan, was subsequently abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The team is scheduled to have its first proper training session later on Wednesday, ahead of the semifinal against a second-string Sri Lankan side.
"We have had some good time (off the field). We have been doing some team activities. We were trying to do some practice (but the weather did not allow). But we were training and conditioning in the gym," Samson said.
The Indian opener said the players have used the enforced downtime to discuss cricket, combinations and the need to remain alert despite the lack of game time.
"We were spending time together. We were talking (about) cricket and combinations. We were having constant meetings to switch on the players when it is required," he said.
"These are the times where we need to be a bit more aware that we need to switch on and suddenly play a big semifinal. We all are aware of that. Luckily, we have got a good sunny day today to practice," he added.
With most of their time in Japan spent indoors, the players are now eager to get back onto the field.
"Yesterday we were having a chat in the gym. When the team is having a gym session, we are saying that 'yes, we need to get out and play some game of cricket'. So, we all are very much excited to come and play a proper game of cricket," Samson said.
The Nagoya conditions could present another challenge, with the outfield expected to remain soft and the pitch potentially sluggish after the wet weather.
Samson said both teams would be entering unfamiliar territory.
"Conditions are a bit different. We have never played a game here in Nagoya. Most of us are playing here for the first time, so there might be a lot of unknown factors. And it goes for the other team as well. So, both teams are coming here fresh," he said.
"We don't know the conditions until we go out there and play a proper game of cricket. So, that is where the fun is. I think that is where any team can compete against any team."
India's only match in Japan so far, against the hosts in Sano, was reduced to five overs a side because of a wet outfield and went down to the wire.
India are simultaneously fielding another team in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, while the men's 'A' side is playing a series against Australia at home.
Asked about India's ability to field multiple teams, Samson attributed the depth to sustained efforts across the country's cricketing system.
"It is a known fact nowadays how strong Indian cricket has grown from last so many years. So, I think there has been some constant effort. I think definitely IPL plays a huge role," he said.
"But I feel our domestic cricket is also playing a huge role actually. We have been constantly making great efforts to go out and play all the domestic matches whenever we get a chance. And that is where we tend to develop a lot of talents also," Samson added.
