India head coach Gautam Gambhir has responded to the growing criticism surrounding Sanju Samson‘s exclusion from the national T20I setup, insisting that the wicketkeeper-batter continues to be part of the team’s long-term plans despite missing recent matches. The debate over Samson’s omission gained fresh momentum after India’s humiliating 125-run defeat to England in the third T20I at Trent Bridge, raising questions about the team’s selection strategy and batting combinations.
Samson, who played a key role in India’s successful T20 World Cup title defence and finished as the Player of the Tournament, was left out after the opening game of the England series. He missed both the second and third T20Is and was also excluded from India’s squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour, sparking widespread discussion among fans and former cricketers.
Gautam Gambhir opens up on Sanju Samson’s snub from T20Is
Addressing the media after India’s heavy defeat, Gambhir revealed that he had personally spoken to Samson regarding his position in the team. However, the India coach made it clear that the contents of their discussion would remain confidential. According to Gambhir, Samson has already received the clarity he sought regarding his role, and those conversations are strictly between a player and the head coach. He stressed that such internal discussions would not be made public.
“The first thing is that regarding the clarity Sanju Samson needed, he has been given that from my side. That’s a conversation strictly between the player and the head coach. That conversation is not going to come outside,” said Gambhir in the presser.
The former India opener also dismissed suggestions that Samson had fallen out of favour permanently. Gambhir acknowledged the Kerala batter’s outstanding contributions to Indian cricket and reiterated that recent selections were based primarily on current form rather than reputation. He pointed out that international cricket is highly competitive and there is no fixed rule preventing a player from returning to the side. The head coach indicated that strong performances could quickly bring Samson back into contention during the ongoing series or in future assignments.
“Regarding Sanju, we are very clear what he has done for India has been phenomenal and sometimes you just 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,” added Gambhir.
Merit remains the foundation of India’s selection policy
Gambhir further defended the team’s selection philosophy, stating that every player must continuously earn the opportunity to represent India. He emphasised that the coaching staff’s responsibility is to field the strongest possible playing XI capable of delivering victories. According to him, results remain the ultimate benchmark at the international level, and selections are made with the team’s success as the highest priority. He added that every cricketer, regardless of past achievements, must consistently prove deserving of a place in the national side.
“International cricket is about results, so whatever we feel is the best combination to give us that result, we play that combination and that playing XI. I’ve always been a big believer that everyone needs to earn their place and the right to play for India,” Gambhir added further.
Notably, India’s defeat at Trent Bridge marked their biggest-ever loss by runs in T20 internationals. Chasing a target of 202, the visitors were bundled out for just 76 in only 11.4 overs as England completed a commanding 125-run victory.
