New Delhi — Former India opener Gautam Gambhir said on Thursday that Sanju Samson’s exclusion from the national T20 side “does not mean the door is closed” and that any talks about his future are strictly between the player and the board.
Gambhir, who has served as a selector for the Indian team, told reporters that “player discussions remain private” and that the selectors base their choices on “current player form.” He added that international cricket “requires players to consistently earn their places,” implying that Samson must prove himself in domestic competition before a recall can be considered.
The comments came after India suffered a 7‑run loss to England in the third T20 International of the 2024 tour, a defeat that marked the team’s heaviest margin in a T20I on English soil. England’s 219/5 chased down India’s 212/6, with the match ending in a dramatic final over.
Gambhir’s remarks were made in response to widespread speculation in Indian media after the board’s decision to leave Samson out of the squad for the series. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not released a detailed rationale, the selector’s emphasis on form aligns with the board’s publicly stated policy of “merit‑based selections.”
Analysis:
Gambhir’s reassurance may be aimed at tempering criticism that the BCCI is favoring senior players over emerging talent. By stressing the confidentiality of selection talks, he sidesteps any potential controversy over internal deliberations. The loss to England could intensify pressure on the selectors to re‑evaluate the batting order, especially as India seeks to rebuild after a series of setbacks in overseas T20 matches.
If Samson can deliver strong performances in the upcoming Vijay Hazare and IPL seasons, the selector’s comments suggest he could be reconsidered for future tours. However, the immediate focus for India remains on addressing the tactical and technical issues that contributed to the record defeat in England.
Sources
Times of India, “‘He can still make a comeback’: Gautam Gambhir breaks silence on Sanju Samson snub,” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-tour-of-england/he-can-still-make-a-comeback-gautam-gambhir-breaks-silence-on-sanju-samson-snub/articleshow/132251206.cms.
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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