Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra said that the match between Sanju Samson and England fast bowler Joffra Archer could be an important match in the semi-final match of T20 World Cup 2026. The commentator said that Archer has dismissed Samson many times in the past, mostly using short-pitched balls.
India will face England in the semi-finals on Thursday, March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The winner of this match will face New Zealand in the final on Sunday, March 8 in Ahmedabad. The Black Caps defeated South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final to book their place in the final.
Jofra Archer has dismissed Sanju Samson two or three times – Aakash Chopra
Sanju Samson is expected to open the batting for India, while Jofra Archer may take the new ball for England. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that England’s fast bowlers test Samson with bouncers because the Indian batsman likes to play aggressively.
Chopra said, “He (Archer) has dismissed him two or three times. He gets him out with short balls. Is it a problem? It is a competition, but not a problem. It is a competition because he was playing on Sanju’s ego, that he will bowl bouncers and Sanju will definitely go after him, because he is an aggressive batsman.”
Sanju Samson has had a tough time against Archer in the T20Is, getting out three times in five innings. He has scored only 25 runs in 23 balls with a strike rate of 108.69 against the fast bowler.
Sanju Samson is happy to face pressure – Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes that if Sanju Samson bats with composure and patience, he can handle Joffra Archer. He said that Archer will definitely test Samson with short balls, but there is no need for the opener to attack him immediately.
“That was the same Sanju. The Sanju we saw in the last match is mature and consistent. He is happy to take the pressure. The ego was not visible. So when bowling short, which will be 100 per cent, there is no compulsion to hit a six with a pull. Play an over. You will never criticize Sanju for playing slow, because he will catch on,” Chopra explained.
The Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman scored an unbeaten 97 in India’s five-wicket win against West Indies. Archer’s performance in the tournament so far has also been excellent. The England fast bowler has taken 10 wickets in seven innings at an economy rate of 8.65.
Hardik Pandya can be the most important player – Aakash Chopra
In the same video, Aakash Chopra said that Hardik Pandya is one of the most important players for India. He pointed out that the all-rounder’s familiarity with the venue and his ability to contribute in multiple departments can make a big difference.
“I am looking at one player now. I think Hardik Pandya can be the most important player along with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy, because it is a semi-final and it is in Mumbai, he knows this ground very well and he will have to bowl with the new ball,” he said.
Chopra said, “I would say bowl two overs in the powerplay. If he is unable to bowl two overs, then make Axar Patel bowl two overs. You have to plan like this. Hardik can also be very important with the bat.”
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