Pujara backs Sanju Samson to snap out of T20 slump with one innings

Pujara says one innings can change the conversation around Samson

Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Sanju Samson to rediscover his touch in T20 cricket, arguing that short-term failures are an inevitable part of the format and do not necessarily mean a batter is out of form.

“Consistency should be there, but for the top order, I think consistency is overrated in T20s,” Pujara said while discussing Samson on JioHotstar’s Out or Not Out. He described Samson as a player whose returns can fluctuate, but said “it is always a matter of one innings” before he is back in form.

Pujara added that failure is built into the format: “Who doesn’t get out in T20s?” His comments come after India’s five-match T20I series against the West Indies ended 2-2, with the team set to begin its multi-format tour of New Zealand in the shortest format.

New Zealand selection may hinge on balance

Pujara questioned whether Samson and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could both feature in India’s XI in New Zealand. He said conditions there could prompt selectors to pick more all-rounders, leaving limited room for specialist top-order batters.

“Either Sanju Samson can open or Vaibhav. I don’t think both can be part of the playing XI in New Zealand conditions,” Pujara said, adding that Sooryavanshi may have to wait for his opportunity. He left open the possibility of a place becoming available because of conditions or a player’s fitness.

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also supported Samson, saying a few quiet games can bring scrutiny but that one substantial innings could silence the doubts. Nayar said Sooryavanshi’s chances may likewise depend on team balance and whether India want a left-right batting combination.