‘It’s a contest, but not a problem’ – Aakash Chopra on Sanju Samson’s battle with Jofra Archer

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Former India player-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has shed light on the mouth-watering battle between opener Sanju Samson and England fast bowler Jofra Archer ahead of their semi-final clash at the T20 World Cup on Thursday, March 5.

Chopra suggested that Archer had an upper hand over Samson by exploiting his weakness against the short ball in the past. However, things could be different when the two stars lock horns at the Wankhede Stadium, with the India opener coming on the back of a match-winning unbeaten 97 against West Indies.

“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 on his YouTube channel.

“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,” he added.

Archer has taken 10 wickets in seven games at an economy of 8.65 at the ongoing T20 World Cup. Samson, on the other hand, has scored 143 runs at an average of 71.50 and a healthy strike-rate of 195.89 from just three games, including 14 fours and nine sixes.

It is worth mentioning that both Samson and Archer have known each other for some time now, as they both represented Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sanju Samson vs Jofra Archer in T20Is