Nearly four months after playing a key role in India’s 2026 ICC T20 World Cup triumph and winning the Player of the Tournament award, Sanju Samson has found himself out of the playing XI for the last two T20Is against England. The wicketkeeper-batter was left on the bench after managing just six runs in three matches, including a duck.
Sanju Samson’s omission came as India handed a T20I debut to 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Since the teenage batter is an opener, the team management had to choose between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma to make space for him. Based on recent form, Sanju Samson was the one left out.
The decision has raised questions about Sanju Samson’s future in India’s T20I setup, especially after his impressive performances at the World Cup.
After India’s heavy defeat to England on Tuesday, head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that he had already spoken to Sanju Samson about the decision. Gambhir said the details of their conversation would remain private but stressed that the team management had been completely clear with the player about his role.
The India coach also praised Sanju Samson’s contribution during the T20 World Cup, describing it as outstanding. At the same time, he explained that current form is an important factor in team selection and that decisions are made based on what gives the team the best chance of winning.
Gautam Gambhir also made it clear that Sanju Samson’s exclusion does not mean his chances are over. He indicated that the wicketkeeper-batter could still return to the playing XI later in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England, which India currently trail 0-2. According to Gambhir, there is no fixed rule preventing a comeback and every player has to earn the opportunity to represent India. The coach added that team combinations are decided purely on what is expected to deliver results, with performance remaining the biggest factor in selection.
India have struggled in recent T20Is, losing four of their last five matches, while one game was abandoned due to rain. Gautam Gambhir admitted that the team has failed to adjust to conditions in both Ireland and England, saying better adaptation could have produced different results. With the series still alive, India will now hope to bounce back and keep the contest alive in the remaining matches.
