Gautam Gambhir reveals Sanju Samson needed a break after poor NZ T20I series at home

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir, while speaking at the post-match press conference after a five-wicket win over the West Indies, had disclosed that the Indian opening batter Sanju Samson needed a break to release pressure off him before the showpiece event.

Speaking to reporters after India qualified for the semi-finals of the showpiece event, Gambhir highlighted the importance of a short break for Samson following a tough series against New Zealand at home.

Notably, Samson played all five games of the New Zealand T20I series and scored only 46 runs at an average of 9.20 and a strike rate of 135.29. Ishan Kishan, who had a better series, eventually replaced him in the XI in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

“Obviously, he had a tough series against New Zealand. So sometimes it’s important to give him (Samson) a break as well, because you want to get the guy off that pressure situation as well,” head coach Gambhir said.

“I have conversations with everyone and the most important thing is the guys who are part of this squad, are world class players and that’s why they are representing the country. We always knew the talent that Sanju had. Three T20 hundreds, not many people have it, so we always knew that,” he added.

Nevertheless, the Kerala keeper-batter made his way back to the playing XI for the Super8 clash against Zimbabwe. Subsequently, he scored an unbeaten 97 against the West Indies as India advanced to the semi-finals of the mega event.

“And we always knew that whenever we need him in the World Cup game, he’ll come and deliver for us,” he stated.

“Against Zimbabwe, he delivered for us. We got a start that we wanted in the first three overs. And today, again, from where he left against Zimbabwe, he showcased his talent. And this is what we expect from Sanju to do more consistently,” he concluded.

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