Kevin Pietersen Backs Sanju Samson Amid Slow Start to 2025, Calls Him a ‘Rock-Solid Player’

Sanju Samson had a stellar 2024 as an opener, but his start to 2025 in T20Is has been slow. In the ongoing series against England, he has managed just 34 runs in three matches at an average of 11.33. However, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has backed Samson to find his form, emphasizing that taking risks at the top of the order is part of the game.

“Sometimes you get stuck, and that’s just life. You have to take risks as an opener, just like Abhishek Sharma and other batters. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t—but more often than not, Samson delivers,” Pietersen said on Star Sports.

Pietersen also expressed his admiration for Samson’s batting ability, stating that he was surprised the wicketkeeper-batter hadn’t been given a more consistent role in the team over the years. “He’s mentally strong, and I really like him as a batter—actually, I love him. He’s been given a chance at the top of the order now, but in T20s, things change so quickly,” he added.

While Samson is going through a rough patch, his dismissals have followed a pattern—getting out while attempting to pull the short ball in all three matches. However, Pietersen believes it’s too soon to question his technique.

“If he continues to struggle with it over the next six weeks or a couple of months, then maybe I’d reconsider. But I think he handles the short ball well and is a fantastic player. So, there’s no way I’d stand here and criticize his ability against the short ball,” Pietersen concluded.