Sanju Samson finds himself under the spotlight after a difficult start to India’s ongoing five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The wicketkeeper-batter managed just 11 runs from nine deliveries in the first T20I in Lucknow on October 6, which India won by eight wickets. With the second T20I scheduled to be played in Ranchi on October 9, questions have started to emerge around Samson’s form and his place in India’s playing XI.

However, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Samson strongly, insisting that the Kerala batter deserves the team’s continued trust. Speaking on JioStar, Pujara said there should be no doubt about Samson’s credentials or his importance to the Indian team. He pointed to Samson’s performances during India’s successful 2026 World Cup campaign as evidence of his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

“I hope that there is no pressure on him, because there shouldn’t be. He has won a World Cup for the Indian team and performed exceptionally well there. He’s a quality player. So there shouldn’t be any questions around him being part of the playing XI,” Cheteshwar Pujara said.

WATCH – Yashasvi Jaiswal Begins Wicket-Keeping Practice Ahead Of New Zealand Test Series

Pujara acknowledged that failures are part of T20 cricket and urged the team management to provide Samson with the right support rather than making frequent changes. With young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also waiting for an opportunity, Pujara believes India should remain patient with Samson.

According to the former India batter, Samson should be encouraged to play his natural game and express himself without worrying about selection pressure. “Yes, you might have one or two bad games. That’s the time when the team management has to step in and give him the right message that you are an important part of this team. Just go out there, express yourself and play your natural game,” he added.

Pujara also backed Naman Dhir after the all-rounder produced an impressive three-wicket spell in the first T20I. He praised Dhir for displaying cricketing intelligence, particularly after conceding a six, by changing his line, length and pace effectively.

Cheteshwar Pujara believes Dhir is developing into a useful bowling option in T20 cricket, although he does not expect him to regularly complete a four-over spell. “You can’t expect him to bowl four overs in each and every game, but he’s definitely improving and is showing that he can be a decent bowler in a T20 format,” Pujara said.

ALSO READ: Parthiv Patel Recalls Inspiring Comeback and Gujarat’s Historic Ranji Trophy Triumph

At the same time, Pujara pointed out that Dhir will need to learn how to operate effectively on flatter pitches, where there may be less assistance from the surface. The Lucknow conditions helped him in the opening game, but Pujara believes experience will allow him to become a more adaptable bowler. With the T20I series moving to Ranchi, Samson will be eager to turn his form around, while Dhir will look to build on his impressive start against the West Indies.