Gautam Gambhir took time to speak with Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter was left out of the playing XI to accommodate debutant Vaibhav Suryavanshi for the second T20I against England. Samson was the only change to India’s lineup at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Saturday, July 4, following a disappointing run of performances on the tour.
India faced a major selection decision after the series opener, where Samson managed just one run. With Suryavanshi waiting in the wings, the team management eventually opted to make the change despite earlier backing their World Cup-winning core and indicating they would be given extended support.
Samson now finds himself out of the side once again, leaving questions over his immediate future. With the current management emphasizing transparent communication, Gambhir was seen having an intense one-on-one discussion with the batter on the field, displaying his trademark animated style.
Sanju Samson appeared calm after the conversation and was even seen hugging and patting coach Gautam Gambhir, reflecting positive body language following their exchange. Gambhir has consistently backed the opening batter since taking charge in 2024, reinstating him in the side and entrusting him with a new role that brought out some of his finest performances in international cricket.
Here’s a look at the moment between the two:
Gautam Gambhir was seen consoling Sanju Samson, after he got dropped ahead of the 2nd T20I
Such a beautiful gesture by GG!! #SanjuSamson #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/awXDe6lzZL
— CricEnt (@CricentVerse) July 4, 2026
Sanju Samson was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for his match-winning performances in the knockout stages after returning midway through the campaign. While he followed it up with a respectable IPL campaign, his form dipped significantly during India’s tour of Ireland and England.
Sanju Samson’s 2026 T20I Struggles Continue With Repeated Low Scores
Sanju Samson began the year on a disappointing note in the home series against New Zealand, managing only 46 runs across five matches, which resulted in him losing his place in India’s first-choice XI for the World Cup.
In 13 T20I innings in 2026, Samson has registered single-digit scores on six occasions, including three consecutive low scores in his most recent outings.
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