Sanju Samson's Resurgence: Clarity and Calmness Fuel Centuries

Sanju Samson’s Resurgence: Clarity and Calmness Fuel Centuries

Sanju Samson’s recent resurgence in international cricket has been attributed to increased clarity from team management and a newfound calmness in his approach. After two consecutive centuries in T20Is, Samson is finally on the cusp of fulfilling his potential.

Samson’s struggles in the past have been linked to a lack of consistent opportunities with the Indian team. However, with the emergence of a new T20 setup under head coach Gautam Gambhir, Samson has been given the confidence and clarity he needs to succeed.

“For the first time in my career, I received such clarity, and that gave me confidence,” Samson said.

Samson’s improved form has also been attributed to his experience as captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. This role has helped him understand the needs of a team and how to make an impact on a game.

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour believes Samson has become calmer in the last year and has realized he doesn’t need to rely on fancy shots to be successful.

“He has the power to hit big down the ground. He plays fast bowling well and can take them down in front of the wicket,” Rathour said.

With the next T20 World Cup in 2026 in mind, the selectors and Gambhir are grooming T20 specialists. Samson’s recent performances have put him in contention for a permanent spot in the team, even when the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashashvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant return from Test assignments.

Vikram Rathour Appointed as Rajasthan Royals' New Batting Coach

Vikram Rathour Appointed as Rajasthan Royals’ New Batting Coach

Rajasthan Royals have appointed former India batting coach Vikram Rathour as their new batting coach, reuniting him with Rahul Dravid at the franchise. Rathour, a former India opener and selector, played a key role in India’s Men’s T20 World Cup victory in June this year.

Rathour’s appointment marks a significant move for the Royals, who are looking to strengthen their batting lineup. During his tenure as India’s batting coach from 2019 to 2024, Rathour played a pivotal role in the development of several young batters, including Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul.

“It’s a privilege to be part of the Royals family,” said Rathour. “The opportunity to work again with Rahul, and now with a talented group of young cricketers, is hugely exciting. I look forward to contributing to the team’s vision and working toward our goal of developing top-class players for the Royals and for India.”

Dravid, the Royals’ head coach, expressed his delight at Rathour’s appointment. “Having worked closely with Vikram for many years, I can confidently say that his technical expertise, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of Indian conditions make him a perfect fit for the Royals,” said Dravid. “Together, we’ve built a strong rapport, guiding India to key successes, and I’m thrilled to reunite with him.”

Rathour’s appointment is expected to bolster the Royals’ batting unit, which has struggled for consistency in recent seasons. The franchise will be hoping that Rathour’s experience and expertise can help them develop a more formidable batting lineup and challenge for the IPL title.

New Zealand Bolsters Test Squad with Herath and Rathour

New Zealand Bolsters Test Squad with Herath and Rathour

New Zealand’s Test squad has enlisted the expertise of Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour for their upcoming six-Test tour of Asia. Herath, a renowned spin-bowling coach, will guide the team’s spinners for the next three Tests, including one against Afghanistan and two in Sri Lanka. Rathour, a former Indian batsman, will join the squad for the Afghanistan Test only.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that both Herath and Rathour are highly respected in the cricket world. He emphasized the value of Herath’s experience for the team’s left-arm orthodox spinners, Ajaz Patel, Mitch Santner, and Rachin Ravindra, who will benefit from his insights on the subcontinent’s pitches.

Herath’s knowledge of Galle, the venue for the two Sri Lanka Tests, will be particularly valuable, as he has taken over 100 Test wickets there. After the Sri Lanka tour, New Zealand will face India in three Tests in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Only the Afghanistan Test will not count towards the World Test Championship.

In addition to Patel, Santner, and Ravindra, New Zealand has offbreak spin options in Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips for the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Tests. The squad for the India Tests has yet to be announced.

Herath, with 433 Test wickets, replaces former Pakistan offspinner Saqlain Mushtaq as New Zealand’s spin-bowling coach. Rathour, who played six Tests for India, was most recently India’s batting coach and a national selector.

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