Former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his disappointment after Sanju Samson could not grab his chance in the T20 World Cup match against Namibia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Thursday. Pujara said there are players like Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who are waiting in the wings.

Samson got his opportunity as Abhishek Sharma was ruled out with a stomach infection but could not grab it with both hands.

Samson, who was making his T20 World Cup debut, was dismissed after scoring a little cameo of 8-ball 22. Samson smashed three sixes and one four but had a soft dismissal as he chipped the ball to the mid-wicket fielder.

Cheteshwar Pujara said on ESPN Cricinfo, “He’s getting enough opportunities and, in India, you don’t get enough opportunities. That’s why I feel that he needs to make it count. He needs to score when he gets the opportunity. Yashasvi Jaiswal is also an exceptional talent. He is not part of the Indian team at the moment. Shubman Gill is again not part of the T20 squad. So, there are plenty of options in India.”

On the other hand, former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth also slammed Samson after he could not grab his chance.

Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “The problem with Sanju is he is too desperate. He hit two sixes superbly. Why not just take a single and have a breather? That’s where he doesn’t use his intelligence. It was the perfect match to really solidify himself. Now everyone will say he doesn’t score big, irrespective of how many chances he gets.”

India will next take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday.