Pujara and Abhishek Nayar discuss Samson’s form, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection prospects and Finn Allen’s explosive batting ahead of India’s New Zealand tour
Mumbai: The 2-2 draw in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies has set the stage for India’s upcoming multi-format tour of New Zealand, which begins with the shortest format. Ahead of the series, former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara and cricket expert Abhishek Nayar shared their views on JioHotstar’s Out or Not Out, discussing Sanju Samson’s fluctuating returns, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s chances of making the playing XI and the threat posed by New Zealand opener Finn Allen.
Pujara believes that Samson’s inconsistent scores should not necessarily be interpreted as a loss of form, arguing that the demands of T20 cricket make occasional failures inevitable.
“Sanju Samson is never out of form. His performances may fluctuate in T20 cricket, but it is often a matter of one innings. Once he plays a good knock, he can regain momentum immediately. You cannot simply say that he is out of form,” Pujara said.
He added that while consistency remains important, its significance should be viewed differently in the shortest format, particularly for top-order batters who are expected to score quickly and take risks.
“In T20 cricket, failures are inevitable. Who doesn’t get out in this format? Consistency is important, but for top-order batters, I think it is overrated in T20s,” he said.
Samson and Sooryavanshi: Who makes the XI?
Pujara also expressed doubts about whether Samson and the young left-handed batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would feature together in India’s playing XI in New Zealand.
According to him, the conditions could encourage India to include additional all-rounders, either spin-bowling or seam-bowling options, potentially limiting the number of specialist top-order batters in the side.
“I don’t think both Sanju and Vaibhav can be part of the playing XI in New Zealand,” Pujara said, adding that Sooryavanshi might have to wait for his opportunity.
However, he clarified that this did not rule out the youngster featuring during the series. Changes in playing conditions, team requirements or player fitness could create an opening for him.
Nayar backs patience with the young batter
Nayar echoed Pujara’s assessment, pointing out that Samson’s unpredictable run of scores often fuels debate over his place in the team, only for the wicketkeeper-batter to respond with a substantial innings.
“Sanju plays with everyone’s emotions. He may go two matches without scoring runs, prompting questions about whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should replace him. Then, just when those discussions intensify, he can produce an outstanding innings, scoring 80 runs in no time,” Nayar said.
He observed that Samson’s ability to deliver a significant knock after a lean spell repeatedly revives the debate over his selection. As a result, Sooryavanshi may need to remain patient before securing a regular place in the side.
Nayar also stressed that selection decisions influence not only individual careers but the broader culture of a team. Coaches and captains, he said, must avoid making abrupt changes without considering the longer-term consequences.
He suggested that Sooryavanshi could receive opportunities in a series in which Samson is unavailable or rested.
Nayar further highlighted the importance of maintaining a left-right batting combination, explaining that having batters of opposite handedness can complicate a bowler’s plans during the powerplay. For him, the selection debate is therefore not simply about choosing between Samson and Sooryavanshi, but about finding the right balance for the team.
Finn Allen could threaten the record
The discussion also turned to New Zealand’s explosive batter Finn Allen and the possibility of him challenging Abhishek Sharma’s record for the fastest T20I century by an Indian, scored off 35 balls.
Pujara believes Allen’s aggressive approach makes him particularly dangerous in home conditions, where ground dimensions, pitches and bounce can complement his attacking style.
“Finn Allen is a very lethal and dangerous player in New Zealand because the boundaries are small. The ground dimensions, pitches and bounce suit his game,” Pujara said.
He noted that Allen relies heavily on six-hitting rather than merely finding gaps for boundaries, making him difficult to contain once he gets into his rhythm.
Pujara added that Allen has the ability to score remarkably quick hundreds and could potentially produce another explosive innings during the series, although such an outcome is far from guaranteed.
The latest episode of Out or Not Out, featuring the experts’ analysis of India’s selection questions and the threats awaiting the team in New Zealand, is available exclusively on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
