Sanju Samson needed a break after NZ T20I series to release pressure: Gautam Gambhir

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir revealed that the Indian swashbuckling opening batter Sanju Samson needed a break after the poor New Zealand T20I series at home to release pressure off him and get ready for the much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.

Advertisment

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the game against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, March 1, Gambhir underlined the importance of a break for Samson after a tough series.

Samson, who played all five games of the New Zealand T20I series, mustered only 46 runs at an average of 9.20 and a strike rate of 135.29. Interestingly, Ishan Kishan, who had a better series, eventually replaced the Kerala keeper in the showpiece event.

“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.

Samson, nevertheless, made his way back to the playing XI for the Super8 clash against Zimbabwe, scoring a quickfire cameo to stitch a good opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma. Subsequently, he continued his heroics against the West Indies, scoring an unbeaten 97-run knock as India advanced to the semi-finals.

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

Advertisment

“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.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!