India's cricket coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed Sanju Samson was axed from playing XI over poor form . Samson,once a standout Player of the Tournament at T20 World Cup 2026,now sidelined after flopping against Ireland and England .
Three single-digit scores in Ireland series,then a dud in first T20I against England . After India’s heavy 125-run loss in Nottingham,Gambhir explained the decision to the media .
Gambhir said he spoke privately with Samson about the cut,stressing the need for confidentiality. “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,” Gambhir remarked.
But Gambhir didn't shut the door on Samson's return. He praised Samson's past heroics,notably during the World Cup,but insisted current form matters most for selection . “What he has done for India has been phenomenal, and sometimes you just have to look at the form of a certain player,” he added .
Samson's inconsistency has haunted his T20I career. Earlier this year,he struggled against New Zealand with only 46 runs in five matches. He later shone in World Cup with scores of 97*,89,89 in key knockouts,earning Player of the Tournament.
IPL 2026 saw him score 477 runs in 14 matches. Yet,recent poor showings — scores of 0,5 against Ireland,just 1 against England — led to his benching.
With series ongoing,India under pressure after their worst T20I defeat. Gambhir's move to drop Samson reflects strategy to ensure players are in peak form for international play. Past glories matter less than current stats .
Speculation mounts over Samson's potential return. With series against England still on,team dynamics might change,especially if others falter. Gambhir's stance shows focus on competitive edge,form over past achievements.
