Asian Games 2026: WATCH- 'Quality time off the field, training, conditioning'- Sanju Samson on how India staying ‘switched on’ despite rains

India will play Sri Lanka in the semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket event.

India keeper-batter Sanju Samson talked about how, despite rain interrupting their outdoor practice sessions, the Indian team has managed to stay switched on with constant activities and meetings. Continuous rains have restricted India's ability to practice and compete against the Japanese side.

The Indian team has been in Japan for ten days and has managed to play only one match against Japan, which took place on September 22 in a five-overs-per-side format. The three-time T20 World Cup champions are scheduled to begin their training after Wednesday.

Earlier, the Indian team's first match in the Asia Games, against Afghanistan in the quarterfinals, was called off because of rain that prevented play from taking place. India will take on Sri Lanka in the semifinal here on Thursday.

"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.

We were spending time together. We were talking (about) cricket and combinations. We were having constant meetings to switch on the players when it was required. These are the times when we need to be a bit more aware that we need to switch on and suddenly play a big semifinal. We are all aware of that. Luckily, we have got a good sunny day today to practice," Samson said the pre-match press conference ahead of India’s Asian Games semi-final against Sri Lanka.

Samson said the players are itching to take the field, with the weather keeping them indoors mostly.

"Yes, yesterday we were having a chat in the gym. When the team is having a gym session, we are saying, "Yes, we need to get out and play some game of cricket." "So, we are all very much excited to come and play a proper game of cricket,” he said.

The outfield is expected to be soft and the pitch sluggish considering the wet weather.

Asked if it was safe to play in such conditions, Samson said, "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."

India's rain-truncated match against Japan in Sano went down to the wire after the contest was curtailed due to a wet outfield.

(PTI inputs)