Diary: The ambidextrous throwdown specialist and the Samson factor

Anoop Sree – Ambidextrous Throwdown Specialist

• Background

  • 29‑year‑old sidearm bowler from Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Formerly bowled at the Thiruvananthapuram Cricket Stadium; career stalled by knee injury.
  • Works as a throwdown specialist and fielding coach in the Kerala Cricket League; conducts personal sessions for Ranji Trophy players.

• Key Sessions

  • India–West Indies ODI series (Sept 2026) – Partnered with Daren Sammy in middle‑net practice.
  • Ranji Trophy camp – Practiced with Sanju Samson; Samson advised him to develop left‑arm deliveries.

• Technical Development

  • Right‑arm speed: 140–145 kph.
  • Left‑arm speed (recent): 125–130 kph; working on slower deliveries, cutters, and 120 kph variations.
  • Focus on 110 % confidence before bowling left‑arm to West Indies; plans to use both arms against Kerala Ranji players.

• Impact & Motivation

  • Samson’s encouragement highlighted the rarity of ambidextrous side‑armers in mainstream cricket.
  • Anoop’s sessions at St Xavier’s Ground (Thumba) continue to build rapport with Kerala players ahead of the T20 World Cup.

• Notable Moments

  • Delivered a “nasty bouncer” that hit a batter’s glove and helmet; received praise from Sammy.
  • Despite not being contracted to an IPL team, Anoop remains a sought‑after throwdown coach.

Mohammed Irshad – KCL 2026 Champion, Thrissur Titans

• Role

  • Net bowler for India and West Indies during the Trivandrum camp, under coach & selector Prasanth Padmanabhan.

• Interaction with Sanju Samson

  • Met Samson in March 2020 before COVID lockdown; initially a ball boy, later bowled to Samson.
  • Delivered 6–7 balls, hit Samson’s off‑stump; Samson praised his slower delivery.
  • Captured a photo with Samson, which he shares proudly.

• Legacy

  • Illustrates how Samson’s presence in Kerala inspires local cricketers, fostering the next generation of talent.