During India’s five-match Twenty20 International series against the West Indies, Sanju Samson is going through a challenging phase with the bat. In the first Twenty20 International, played in Lucknow on October 6, 2026, India won by eight wickets despite the wicketkeeper-batter scoring just 11 runs off of nine deliveries. Samson’s form and position in the starting lineup have come under scrutiny as the second game is set for October 9, 2026, in Ranchi.
The former Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has publicly endorsed Sanju Samson in advance of the forthcoming games. Cheteshwar Pujara emphasised that Samson’s qualifications and his place on the team should not be questioned. As proof of Samson’s skill as a player, he cited his World Cup performance earlier in 2026.There shouldn’t be any pressure on him, so I hope there isn’t. He played incredibly well for the Indian team and helped them win a World Cup. He is a talented athlete.
Cheteshwar Pujara has publicly endorsed Sanju Samson
Cheteshwar Pujara stated, “There shouldn’t be any doubts about him being a member of the playing XI.”Yes, he may have one or two poor games. In that case, the team management must intervene and convey to him that “you are an important part of this team and will be part of this playing XI, so just go out there, express yourself, play your natural game.” There will also be some setbacks in between in a T20 format. However, now is the moment to speak with a player and convey the appropriate message. Yes, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is there, and when the time is right, he will have his chance, but you don’t change much. “I’m sure Sanju will perform exceptionally well if he plays another two or three innings,” he continued.
During Naman Dhir’s three-wicket spell against the West Indies in the first Twenty20 International, Pujara commended him for applying his cricketing intelligence. After giving up a six, he emphasised Dhir’s capacity to change his length, pace, and line. Dhir may not be expected to bowl four overs on a regular basis, but he is becoming a valuable T20 bowler, according to Pujara. Additionally, he emphasised that as Dhir gains experience, he must learn to adjust his bowling to flatter pitches. It was encouraging to see that he was applying his cricket acumen. He took three wickets, but not before he was hit for a six.
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As a result, he was attempting to alter his line, length, and pace. “So, yes, you’re a part-time player, but you have to be a little bit more than that; Naman Dhir demonstrated that he’s a quality bowler,” Pujara stated .Although it is unrealistic to expect him to bowl four overs in every match, he is undoubtedly getting better and demonstrating that he can be a respectable bowler in a Twenty20 format. However, the first game against the West Indies team was a remarkable performance. He will also need to learn how to bowl on a flat pitch because the pitch at Lucknow helped a little. However, that will come with experience, and it was a good beginning for him,” he said.
