Gambhir calls Samson omission his toughest T20I decision

India head coach Gautam Gambhir said leaving Sanju Samson out of the T20I lineup during the England series was the most difficult selection decision of his coaching tenure in the format, and the only one in two years that kept him awake at night. He said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s form and the team’s need for runs at the top of the order informed the call, which he discussed directly with Samson. Gambhir described the choice in an interview ahead of India’s home season. Samson had been named Player of the Tournament at the 2026 T20 World Cup before being left out during the five-match England series. Sooryavanshi, a young batter, received his T20I debut during the series. Reports differ on the precise match-by-match selection sequence, but agree that Samson was dropped and Sooryavanshi was given an opportunity. Gambhir said India needed a stronger platform and more runs at the top, and that Sooryavanshi was in strong form. He said he told Samson why the change was being made and that Samson accepted the explanation.