Cheteshwar Pujara supported Sanju Samson and said that a big innings can bring this wicketkeeper batsman back into rhythm. Pujara believes that the importance of consistency for top-order batsmen is overestimated in T20 cricket. Sanju becomes a victim of criticism due to lack of consistency. Pujara said that even though he does not perform consistently, he is never out of form.
The 5-match T20 series against West Indies was tied at 2-2. Sanju was the second highest run scorer for India in this series. Speaking on Samson's up-and-down performance, Pujara said in a GeoHotstar program, 'There should be consistency but in the case of top order batsmen in T20, I think it is given more importance than it should be.'
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Sanju needs only one innings – Pujara
Pujara said, 'Samson is never completely out of form. His performance in the T20 format has been up and down but it is just a matter of one innings. He plays a good innings and then regains his rhythm. In such a situation, you cannot say that any player is not in rhythm. Failures are inevitable in T20 cricket. Who is there in this format who does not get out?
Pujara also expressed doubt over the possibility of Samson and Vaibhav Suryavanshi playing together in India's playing XI in New Zealand conditions. He said that there the team may need additional all-round players for better balance. He said, 'It is a bit difficult for Vaibhav to play every match in New Zealand, because there you will need more all-round players. These can be spin bowling all-rounders or fast bowling all-rounders. There will not be a need for too many batsmen, especially in the top order.
'Vaibhav will have to wait'
Pujara said, 'Either Sanju Samson or Vaibhav can open the innings. I don't think that in New Zealand conditions both will be able to be a part of the playing eleven together. So Vaibhav may have to wait but he will definitely get opportunities.