Gambhir Says Sanju Samson Can Still Force His Way Back Into India’s XI
After a 125-run T20I defeat to England, Gautam Gambhir said Sanju Samson can return if form and match needs demand, and urged batters to adapt.
By SportCricket Desk · 8 Jul 2026 · 3 min read
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has said Sanju Samson is not shut out of the side, insisting selection depends on current form and what each match requires.
Samson’s omission
Samson lost his place after a run of low scores on the white-ball tour, and 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was brought in for the second and third T20Is. After the heavy defeat in the third game, Gambhir called Samson’s contribution to Indian cricket, especially at the World Cup, phenomenal. Form matters, he said, but nothing prevents a comeback in this series, and every player must earn his spot with the combination judged best to win.
Samson was one of India’s leading performers in their title-winning World Cup. He scored 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. He made an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies in the Super 8s, then 89 in both the semi-final against England and the final against New Zealand.
A call for adaptability
Reflecting on the 125-run loss at Trent Bridge, India’s biggest T20I defeat by runs, Gambhir accepted the batters did not adjust while chasing 202 and were bowled out for 76. He said the aggressive approach can work, but experienced batters must recognise when a more measured innings is needed.
Ground size, wind and game awareness, he noted, often make a major difference. The attacking philosophy stays, but the middle order must adapt and rebuild after early wickets, as it did at the World Cup when the top order attacked and the middle order anchored chases.
India trail 0-2 and must win the fourth match in Bristol on Thursday to stay alive in the series.
