India opener Sanju Samson struggled to search out runs within the ongoing five-match T20I collection in opposition to England. He completed 2024 on a excessive, scoring tons in opposition to Bangladesh and South Africa, however 2025 hasn’t been nicely for the Kerala-born. The keeper-batter did not make it to India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy and has did not ship within the T20I collection as nicely, scoring 31 runs in three matches.
His future within the format additionally stays unsure as nicely. With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill set to make their return sooner reasonably than later, Samson could fail to retain his spot within the taking part in XI. He must get again to kind and re-establish his authority to cement his function within the taking part in XI.
Amid this, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen backed the 30-year-old, noting that he has been a superb participant however te selectors by no means gave him a constant run. He added that in T20 cricket, issues change rapidly and expects the cricketer to as soon as once more be again in kind. In case that doesn’t occur within the subsequent six weeks, solely then he can query his method.
“I believe mentally he is sound. I actually like Sanju Samson as a batter. I really love him. I used to be fairly stunned that he hasn’t had extra of a constant function over the previous few years. Sure, he is bought a sport right here on the high of the order, however pay attention, these items occur. Issues occur so rapidly within the shortest type of the sport,” mentioned Pietersen as quoted by India As we speak.
“If he retains doing it over the subsequent six weeks or he, does it over the subsequent couple of months, then I might most likely take a look at it and begin to query his method. However I believe that he is a wonderful participant. I believe he performs the quick ball extraordinarily nicely, and I simply assume he is a rock-solid participant. So, from that standpoint, there is not any approach that I’ll stand right here and critique his play of the quick ball,” Pietersen added.