Suryakumar Yadav discloses Gautam Gambhir’s bold call on Sanju Samson ahead of Australia tour
Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about head coach Gautam Gambhir’s obsession with keeper-batsman Sanju Samson. After Shubman Gill’s elevation to the role of Indian vice-captain in the T20Is, Sanju Samson’s position in the playing XI was under threat.
In the last 12 months, Samson started alongside Abhishek Sharma in the format, and even the Kerala star hit three centuries, but Gill’s return to the Indian side cost him his opening berth. However, the wicketkeeper-batsman remained a key part of the setup.
Suryakumar Yadav praises Gautam Gambhir’s clear vision for Sanju Samson
Samson was not only picked in India’s squad for the 2025 Asia Cup, but he played an important role in the team’s title triumph in the UAE. He got a chance in every match in front of Jitesh Sharma. Sanju has accumulated 108 runs in six matches at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 127.05.
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Recently, Suryakumar Yadav spoke about how Gautam Gambhir’s clear vision for Samson impressed him. The Indian captain admitted that many expected Jitesh Sharma to start ahead of Samson, especially with Gill opening, but Gambhir had already made his plans for the latter.
Suryakumar Yadav reveals Gautam Gambhir’s unwavering confidence in Sanju Samson
The Indian head coach was very clear from the beginning that Samson would play no matter what position he batted. Well, the Kerala star has proven his worth in the middle order. Gambhir and the management tested Samson’s adaptability, and he passed with flying colors.
He appreciated how Gambhir believed in Samson and mentioned how such clarity from the coach allowed the players to focus solely on performance rather than selection doubts.
Suryakumar Yadav said on Vimal Kumar’s podcast, “With the addition of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma in the team, everyone thought that Jitesh would start again in place of Sanju Samson. But Gauti Bhai was clear from day one that Sanju should play, whatever batting position he is in.”
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Sanju Samson, ‘T20I Batsman of the Year’, Ready to Play Any Role for India
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was named T20I Batter of the Year at the CEAT Cricket Awards 2025 in Mumbai. Earlier, the Kerala star was also selected in the 16-member Indian T20I squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, starting October 29.
The right-handed batter also broke his silence by hitting the order in the T20I line after Gill returned to the event. The wicketkeeper stressed that representing India means everything to him. He emphasized that wearing the Indian jersey comes first and he is ready to play any role for the team.
Samson said at the CEAT Cricket Awards 2025: “When you wear this Indian jersey, you can’t say no to anything. I have really worked very hard to wear this jersey and, more importantly, to stay in their dressing room. I take a lot of pride in doing a job for my country. So even if they want to bowl me at number 9 or maybe take a left-arm spin, I think I am happy to do that too. So whatever it is. work for the country, I think I don’t do it. spirit.”
