Bengaluru: Indian opener Sanju Samson has highlighted the challenges posed by the team’s packed international cricket schedule, revealing that India will have only one day of batting practice in New Zealand before the opening T20I on October 22, 2026.
Speaking to broadcasters ahead of the fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru, Samson said the current schedule leaves players with limited time to practise and prepare for changing playing conditions.
“With the way the schedule is structured these days, you don’t get much time to practise or prepare,” Samson said, adding that players must rely on their experience and make the best use of the time available to them.
India face a quick turnaround between series
India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on October 22, just five days after the conclusion of the West Indies series.
The short turnaround means the Indian team will have limited time to adjust to New Zealand’s playing conditions before the opening match in Christchurch.
Samson explained that the team was expected to reach New Zealand on October 20, practise on October 21 and play the first T20I the following day.
The limited preparation window could make adapting to local conditions an important factor for the Indian players. Differences in conditions can require adjustments in batting approach, particularly during the opening stages of an innings.
Samson said the team would look to carry forward the positive aspects of its performance against the West Indies while drawing on experience to handle the new conditions.
Samson says experience will be crucial
The Indian opener said mental preparation and experience would become especially important when players have little time to train before a match.
Rather than expecting an extended practice period, Samson said the team would focus on using the available time effectively and maintaining the right mindset.
He also acknowledged that adapting to conditions in New Zealand could take time. The players would need to assess the situation early in their innings before settling into their approach.
Samson said the team would take the first two or three deliveries to understand the conditions and then apply the lessons gained through experience.
His comments highlighted the practical challenges international players face when moving quickly between tours, particularly when the next series is played in a different environment.
West Indies series ends 2-2 after rain abandons final T20I
Samson’s remarks came during the fifth T20I against the West Indies at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 17.
Rain disrupted the match, delaying the start and reducing the scheduled contest to nine overs per side. Play eventually began more than two hours behind schedule.
India reached 118 for five in 7.4 overs before rain interrupted the innings again. The match was subsequently abandoned, preventing the West Indies from beginning their run chase.
Ishan Kishan scored 30 off 10 deliveries, while Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 24 from just six balls as India produced a rapid scoring effort in the shortened contest.
The abandoned match meant the five-game T20I series finished level at 2-2. New Zealand series offers another test for India
The upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand will require India to adjust quickly after the West Indies fixtures.
With only one scheduled batting practice session before the opening match, the team will have to balance preparation with the need to adapt to local conditions once play begins.
Samson’s comments underline the importance of managing preparation time during a crowded international calendar. His approach is to rely on experience, maintain mental readiness and assess conditions early rather than allow the short turnaround to dictate the team’s performance.
The New Zealand series will begin in Christchurch on October 22, 2026, with India scheduled to play five T20Is against the hosts.