Samson dropped after poor form, but door open for return
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stated that wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been given complete clarity regarding his omission from the playing XI in the ongoing T20I series against England. Gambhir did not rule out a comeback for the 31-year-old, who was replaced by 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three innings.
Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup, was also left out of the squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, with selectors opting for Prabhsimran Singh following his impressive IPL campaign for Punjab Kings. Gambhir emphasised that selection is based on current form and the combination that gives India the best chance of winning.
Gambhir: 'Clarity given, conversation private'
“The clarity that should have been given to Sanju Samson, he has got from me,” Gambhir said after India’s 125-run defeat in the third T20I in Nottingham. “And that conversation is between a head coach and a player. The contents of that conversation are obviously not something I’ll share with you.”
Gambhir acknowledged Samson's contributions to India, particularly during the World Cup, but stressed the need to consider current form. “We are absolutely clear that what Sanju has done for India, especially during the World Cup, has been phenomenal. Sometimes, though, you also have to look at the form of a certain player. There is no hard and fast rule that he cannot make a comeback in this series.”
India trail 0-2 in five-match series
India currently trail the five-match T20I series against England 0-2 after two losses and one washout. Gambhir defended the team selection policy, stating that international cricket is ultimately about results. “Whatever we feel is the best combination to get us those results, we will play that combination and that playing XI,” he said.
He added, “I’ve always believed that everyone needs to earn their place. Everyone needs to earn the right to play for India.” Samson’s exclusion has sparked debate, but Gambhir’s comments suggest the door remains open for the senior player to return later in the series.
