Sanju Samson: meetings and activities have kept India 'switched on' in Japan
Sanju Samson said in Nagoya, Japan on Wednesday (September 30, 2026) that constant meetings and team activities have kept India "switched on" despite rain disrupting preparations for the men's cricket competition at the 20th Asian Games.
India have been in Japan for the past 10 days but, according to Samson, only managed a five-overs-a-side game against Japan on September 22; their opening Asia Games quarterfinal against Afghanistan was abandoned after no play was possible because of rain. Samson said the first proper training session was scheduled for later on Wednesday, and India are due to face Sri Lanka in the semifinal on Thursday.
Asked whether the weather had affected the team's rhythm, Samson detailed the alternatives the squad pursued off the field: "We have had some good time [off the field]. We have been doing some team activities. We were trying to do some practice (but the weather did not allow). But we were training and conditioning in the gym," he said, adding that players had discussed combinations and tactics in regular meetings: "We were spending time together. We were talking [about] cricket and combinations. We were having constant meetings to switch on the players when it is required. "… these are the times where we need to be a bit more aware that we need to switch on and suddenly play a big semifinal. We all are aware of that. Luckily, we have got a good sunny day today to practice," Samson said.
Samson described the squad's eagerness to play after extended indoor periods, recounting a recent conversation during gym work: "Yes, yesterday we were having a chat in the gym. When the team is having a gym session, we are saying that 'yes, we need to get out and play some game of cricket'. So, we all are very much excited to come and play a proper game of cricket." He also noted expectations about the playing surface given the wet weather, describing the outfield as likely to be soft and the pitch sluggish.
On the unfamiliarity of local conditions Samson emphasised the unknowns both teams face: "Conditions are a bit different. We have never played a game here in Nagoya. Most of us are playing here for the first time, so there might be a lot of unknown factors. And it goes for the other team as well. So, both teams are coming here fresh. "We don't know the conditions until we go out there and play a proper game of cricket. So, that is where the fun is. I think that is where any team can compete against any team."
Samson referenced a rain-truncated contest in Sano against Japan that was curtailed because of a wet outfield and described India’s broader schedule, noting that the senior side is playing a three-match ODI series against the West Indies simultaneously while a men's 'A' series against Australia is taking place at home.
On the depth of Indian cricket, Samson credited long-term development structures and franchise cricket: "It is a known fact nowadays how strong Indian cricket has grown from last so many years. So, I think there has been some constant effort. I think definitely IPL plays a huge role. "But I feel our domestic cricket is also playing a huge role actually. We have been constantly making great efforts to go out and play all the domestic matches whenever we get a chance. And that is where we tend to develop a lot of talents also."
India’s next confirmed fixture at the 20th Asian Games is the semifinal against Sri Lanka on Thursday in Nagoya; the squad had planned a full training session on the eve of that match.