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India wrapped up their T20I series against Afghanistan with a commanding 3-0 sweep, but the result was not the only talking point after the third match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Sanju Samson’s impressive return to the playing XI added another layer to the series, with the wicketkeeper-batter finishing the campaign strongly after previously being left out of the side. His performances also prompted head coach Gautam Gambhir to open up about one of the most difficult selection calls of his tenure.
Gautam Gambhir opens up on the challenging decision of his coaching career
Speaking after the third T20I, Gambhir admitted that leaving Samson out during India’s England series was probably the toughest decision he had made since taking charge as head coach.
“Obviously, it was tough [leaving him out in the UK]. Probably the toughest decision I’ve taken in my coaching tenure is obviously leaving him out in that England series. Because obviously, the way he’s performed before that. But again, sometimes you go with players’ form as well,” Gambhir said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Samson had entered that period with considerable expectations after being named Player of the Tournament during India’s T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year. However, a sequence of failures on the UK and Ireland tour eventually resulted in him being dropped.
The decision was clearly not an easy one for the Indian coaching staff, particularly given Samson’s previous contributions and his ability to make an impact at the top of the order.
Star batter’s sizzling show in Afghanistan series
The Afghanistan series provided Samson with an opportunity to make his case once again, and he made the most of it. Across the three matches, the opener accumulated 117 runs at an impressive strike rate of 180, registering two half-centuries. His latest contribution came in the third T20I in Delhi, where Samson produced a composed 50 from 35 deliveries. He cleared the boundary four times for sixes and also struck two fours as India established a strong platform.
Samson’s innings formed part of a remarkable opening stand with Abhishek Sharma. The pair added 142 runs together, with Abhishek going on to smash a record-breaking century. Samson’s half-century was also his second successive fifty of the series. During the innings, Samson reached another personal milestone by completing 9,000 runs in T20 cricket, adding further significance to his contribution.
Gambhir backs talented batter’s skills after strong comeback
Samson’s efforts helped India post 221 for seven, a total that proved far beyond Afghanistan’s reach. India eventually secured a comprehensive 127-run victory to complete the series whitewash. For Gambhir, however, Samson’s return was about more than just the numbers on the scoreboard. The head coach reiterated his belief in the batter’s ability and pointed to his previous achievements at the international level.
“I think his talent itself is enough for him to be in the dressing room. Someone doesn’t become a player of the tournament in a World Cup without not having a talent. So, he’s done enough,” Gambhir added.
After being left out during the England series, Samson has now responded with a productive Afghanistan campaign. His 117 runs, two fifties and strike rate of 180 have given him valuable momentum, while Gambhir’s comments underline how highly the Indian coaching setup continues to regard his talent.
Also READ: Sanju Samson breaks silence on opening slot competition with Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma
