Amidst India’s batting struggles, two wicketkeeper-batsmen, Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, have emerged as beacons of hope. Samson’s blistering 107 in the T20I opener against South Africa and Jurel’s twin half-centuries in the India A match against Australia A have showcased their exceptional talent.
Both players share a common bond with Rajasthan Royals, where Samson serves as captain and Jurel was retained for a hefty sum. Their success can be attributed to the extensive training they receive at the Royals’ training center in Talegaon under the guidance of high-performance director Zubin Bharucha.
Bharucha emphasizes the importance of high variability in their training regimen. “We try to cover high variability in our preparation,” he says. This approach has prepared Jurel for the challenging conditions at the MCG, where he thrived despite the thick grass cover.
The Royals also played a crucial role in preparing Samson for the bouncy pitches in South Africa. Bharucha reveals that they had a two-day session with Samson in Dubai, where the pitches are more similar to those in South Africa.
Bharucha praises the Royals’ commitment to player development, highlighting their investment in Samson’s preparation for the South Africa tour. “They flew the bowlers and me from India to Dubai for Samson’s practice sessions,” he says.
The Royals’ philosophy is to transform the space between success and failure into a freedom of opportunity for their players. By providing an environment based on high variability and meticulous preparation, they aim to empower their players to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
