Gautam Gambhir: Dropping Sanju Samson Was the Toughest Call of My Coaching Career

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has opened up about one of the most difficult decisions he has made during his coaching career, admitting that leaving Sanju Samson out of the playing XI was far from easy.

Samson has responded strongly after returning to the side. The wicketkeeper batter played a key role in India’s 3-0 T20I series sweep over Afghanistan, scoring 57 runs in the second match and following it up with another half century in the third game.

The performances have come after a period of uncertainty surrounding his place in the team. During India’s five match T20I series against England earlier this year, Samson featured in the opening game but was subsequently left out. Youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi was given an opportunity in his place.

Gambhir said the decision to leave Samson out was particularly difficult because of what the Kerala batter had already achieved.

“Dropping Sanju from the playing XI was a very tough call. It was probably the toughest decision I have taken in my coaching career,” Gambhir said, explaining that a player’s recent form also has to be considered while selecting a team.

He acknowledged that Samson would have been disappointed at the time, but insisted that the decision was made with the team’s requirements in mind.

Gambhir also rejected the idea that Samson needed special credit simply for being given another opportunity. According to the India coach, Samson’s ability and previous performances were enough to justify his place in the dressing room.

“Sanju does not need me to give him credit for getting an opportunity. His talent is what makes him deserving of being in the dressing room. He has already shown what he can do,” Gambhir said.

The coach also pointed to Samson’s achievements at the international level while backing the batter’s ability to deliver when given responsibility.

Meanwhile, Vaibhav Suryavanshi will have to wait for another chance with the Indian team. The youngster scored 14, 13 and 15 in his three appearances during the England series before being left out of the final game.

Gambhir made it clear that the decision was not a reflection of a lack of faith in the young batter. He said the team had already decided to continue with the combination that featured during the World Cup for the Afghanistan series.

According to Gambhir, a few unsuccessful games should not change the way a player is viewed.

“Players do not suddenly become bad players because they fail in three or four matches. A couple of unsuccessful series cannot erase what they have achieved,” he explained.

Gambhir added that the team has already spoken clearly with Suryavanshi and knows exactly what the youngster can bring to the side. For now, the young batter will have to remain patient and wait for another opportunity.

Samson’s back to back half centuries against Afghanistan have once again strengthened his case. With his form returning at the right time, attention will now turn to how India plans to use him in the upcoming assignments and when Suryavanshi gets another chance.