Kevin Pietersen Backs Sanju Samson Amid Struggles in T20I Series Against England
Pietersen Praises Samson's Risk-Taking Approach and Short-Ball Technique Despite Inconsistent Start to 2025
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Posted - 2025-01-29T23:49:02+06:00
Updated - 2025-01-29T23:49:02+06:00
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has come out in support of Indian opener Sanju Samson, who has had a tough start to 2025 in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England. Samson, who enjoyed a successful 2024 as an opener, has struggled in the first three matches of the series, scoring just 34 runs at an average of 11.33.
Speaking to Star Sports, Pietersen backed Samson’s approach at the top of the order, emphasizing the risks involved in modern T20 cricket. He compared Samson’s situation to other openers, including Abhishek Sharma, who are also tasked with playing aggressively early on:
"I just think that on occasions you get stuck and that's life. You've got to take risks at the top of the order. Same as Abhishek Sharma, same as all these batters. They're taking risks at the top of the order. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but more often than not, Samson comes up with the goods," Pietersen said.
Samson has recorded scores of 26, 5, and 3 in the three matches so far in the T20I series. Despite his current struggles, his performance in 2024 was notable, where he scored three Test centuries.
Pietersen expressed his admiration for Sanju Samson as a batter and highlighted his mental resilience despite the early setbacks in the series.
"I think mentally he's sound. I really like Sanju Samson as a batter. I actually love him. I was pretty surprised that he hasn't had more of a consistent role over the last few years. Yes, he's got a game here at the top of the order, but listen, these things happen. Things happen so quickly in the shortest form of the game."
Pietersen also dismissed any concerns about Samson's technique, particularly against the short ball, noting that he plays it well and shouldn’t be scrutinized based on a few poor innings:
"If he keeps doing it over the next six weeks or he does it over the next couple of months, then I'd probably have a look at it and start to question his technique. But I think that he's a fabulous player. I think he plays the short ball extremely well, and I just think he’s a rock solid player."