Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Pujara Backs Samson to Open, Says Sooryavanshi Must Wait
Cheteshwar Pujara thinks Sanju Samson should open the batting for India with Abhishek Sharma.
He says Samson has experience and is playing well.
Pujara believes India should keep using a player who is performing rather than change the lineup just because a young talent is available.
That young player is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Pujara says Sooryavanshi will get chances later, especially if players are injured.
He can also learn by staying with the team.
India has many T20 matches ahead, so Pujara says Sooryavanshi should be patient.
India will need to choose between Samson and Sooryavanshi for an opening spot.
Cheteshwar Pujara said Sanju Samson should open for India alongside Abhishek Sharma in the upcoming T20I series against the West Indies.
Pujara argued that Samson is experienced, has won a World Cup and is performing well.
He said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should wait for an opportunity and can learn while remaining with the squad.
Pujara said injuries and India's busy T20 schedule could give Sooryavanshi chances later.
India previously fielded Samson, Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma together at the Asian Games, but the lineup had Ishan Kishan at No. 5 and one specialist fast bowler.
- Who
- Cheteshwar Pujara shared his view on Sanju Samson and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
- What
- Pujara said Samson should open with Abhishek Sharma, while Sooryavanshi should wait for his opportunity.
- When
- Ahead of India's five-match T20I series against the West Indies, starting Tuesday; no calendar date is specified.
- Where
- Pujara made the comments to JioStar; the series location is not stated.
- Why
- Pujara said Samson is experienced and performing well, and that Sooryavanshi can learn with the squad and receive chances later.
Back Samson
Give Sooryavanshi a chance
Who should open for India
Back Samson
Pujara favors Samson alongside Abhishek Sharma, citing Samson's experience, World Cup win and current form.
Give Sooryavanshi a chance
Sooryavanshi is an exceptional young talent, but Pujara says he should wait; the article presents no direct argument from Sooryavanshi or his supporters for selecting him now.
Timing of Sooryavanshi's opportunity
Back Samson
Pujara says Sooryavanshi can learn while with the squad and get opportunities later, including when injuries arise.
Give Sooryavanshi a chance
Sooryavanshi could be selected in the playing XI, but the article notes that fitting him alongside Samson and Abhishek has previously affected the team's balance.
- Speaker
- Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara
- Preferred opening pair
- Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma
- Young player advised to wait
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Upcoming series
- India versus the West Indies
- Series format
- Five T20 internationals
- Start
- Tuesday; the article does not specify a date
- Previous lineup context
- India fielded Samson, Sooryavanshi and Abhishek together at the Asian Games, with Ishan Kishan at No. 5 and one specialist fast bowler.