Former India star Pujara backs Samson for T20I spot

Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has publicly backed Sanju Samson to retain his place in India's T20I lineup, despite the wicketkeeper-batter's recent struggles and growing calls for teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to be handed a debut. Pujara's comments come ahead of the second T20I against England, following a rain-affected series opener in Durham on Wednesday, July 1.

Samson has registered low scores in his last three innings, managing 5 and 0 in a two-match T20I series against Ireland and just 1 in the first match against England. His dismissal in Durham, caught at backward point off the bowling of Saqib Mahmood, extended a run of inconsistent performances in overseas T20I matches. This has led to significant discussion among fans and experts about whether the 15-year-old batting sensation Sooryavanshi, who received a maiden national call-up, should be included in the playing XI.

Pujara, speaking on the JioStar platform, argued strongly for continuity. He stated that Samson, who was the Player of the Series in the recent T20 World Cup, has proven his quality and should not be feeling pressure from the speculation. Pujara said India should persist with Samson and...