India head coach Gautam Gambhir has said wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been given complete clarity regarding his role in the team after being left out of the playing XI, while insisting that the experienced batter remains in contention for a return during the ongoing five-match T20I series against England.
Samson was dropped from India's playing XI after a string of low scores and has also been omitted from the squad for the upcoming T20I tour of Zimbabwe. Despite those decisions, Gambhir stressed that the 31-year-old continues to be part of India's plans and has not been ruled out of the remainder of the England series, with the visitors trailing 0-2 after suffering two defeats, while one match was washed out.
Speaking after India's crushing 125-run loss in the third T20I on Tuesday, Gambhir said he had personally spoken to Samson about his position in the squad and ensured there was no ambiguity regarding the decision.
"The clarity that should have been given to Sanju Samson, he has got from me," Gambhir said. "That conversation is between a head coach and a player. The contents of that conversation are obviously not something I'll share with you."
The India coach praised Samson's contributions in recent months, particularly his performances during India's successful T20 World Cup campaign, where the wicketkeeper-batter played an important role and was named Player of the Tournament. However, Gambhir said that current form remains a key factor in team selection.
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"We are absolutely clear that what Sanju has done for India, especially during the World Cup, has been phenomenal. Sometimes, though, you also have to look at the form of a certain player. There is no hard and fast rule that he cannot make a comeback in this series," he added.
Samson's omission came after a disappointing run with the bat, having registered scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three T20I innings, which included matches against Ireland and the opening game of the England series.
India replaced Samson with 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose inclusion reflects the team's willingness to back emerging talent when senior players struggle for form. Samson was also overlooked for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, with the selectors instead rewarding Prabhsimran Singh after his impressive performances for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Gambhir reiterated that India will continue to select the squad and playing XI based on current form, team balance and the combination that offers the best chance of success at the international level. "Ultimately, international cricket is about results. Whatever we feel is the best combination to get us those results, we will play that combination and that playing XI," he said.
The former India opener also emphasised that no player can take his place for granted, adding that performances and consistency remain the primary criteria for selection. "I've always believed that everyone needs to earn their place. Everyone needs to earn the right to play for India," Gambhir said.
With two matches still remaining in the series, Gambhir's remarks suggest that Samson remains in the selection mix and could return to the playing XI if team management believes conditions or form warrant a change.
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