Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said that the contest between Sanju Samson and England pacer Jofra Archer could be an important battle in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final clash. The commentator noted that Archer has dismissed Samson multiple times in the past, mostly using short-pitched deliveries.
India will face England in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, March 5. The winner of this match will face New Zealand in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8. The Black Caps confirmed their spot in the final after defeating South Africa by nine wickets in the first semi-final.
Sanju Samson is expected to open the batting for India, while Jofra Archer could take the new ball for the England side. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that the England pacer tends to test Samson with bouncers, as the Indian batter likes to play aggressively.
"He (Archer) has dismissed him two or three times. He dismisses him with short balls. Is that a problem? It's a contest, but not a problem. It's a contest because he was playing on Sanju's ego, that he would bowl a bouncer, and Sanju would go after him for sure, as he is an attacking batter," Chopra said.
Sanju Samson has found it difficult against Archer in T20Is, getting dismissed three times in five innings. He has scored only 25 runs from 23 deliveries against the fast bowler, with a strike rate of 108.69.
Sanju Samson Is Happy to Absorb the Pressure - Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes Sanju Samson can handle Jofra Archer if he bats with composure and patience. He stated that Archer will almost certainly test Samson with short deliveries, but there is no need for the opener to immediately attack them.
"That was that Sanju. The Sanju we saw in the last match is mature and consistent. He is happy to absorb the pressure. The ego wasn't visible. So when short bowling is done, which would happen 100 percent, there is no obligation to hit a six with a pull. Play an over. You will never criticize Sanju for playing slow, as he will catch up," Chopra elaborated.
The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter scored an unbeaten 97 in India’s five-wicket victory against the West Indies. Archer has also been impressive in the tournament so far. The England fast bowler has taken 10 wickets in seven innings at an economy rate of 8.65.
Hardik Pandya Might 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 explained that the all-rounder’s familiarity with the venue and his ability to contribute in multiple departments could make a major difference.
"I am now looking at a player. I think Hardik Pandya might be the most important player, along with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, and all of that, because it's the semi-final and it's in Mumbai, he knows this ground very well, and he has to bowl with the new ball," he said.
"I would say bowl two overs in the powerplay. If he is unable to bowl two, make Axar Patel bowl two overs there. That is the kind of plan you will have to come up with. Hardik, with the bat, might also be very, very important," Chopra observed.
Also read: Ahmed Shehzad again SLAPS Mohammad Amir with IND vs ENG semi-final prediction
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