The India vs Australia T20I series has taken a dramatic turn as Sanju Samson was once again left out of the playing eleven for the final match at the Gabba on Saturday (November 8). Before the toss, Sanju Samson was seen having a serious conversation with India head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Earlier, Sanju Samson was dropped in place of Jitesh Sharma in the fourth T20I after a poor batting performance, and now, for the series-decider, he has been benched again despite the Men in Blue making one change for the final T20I at The Gabba.
Sanju Samson re-selected for final T20 match against Australia
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Tilak Verma has been rested, making way for Rinku Singh to strengthen his finishing line-up for the fifth and final T20I against Australia. Jitesh Sharma retained his place as the wicketkeeper-batsman after a quick cameo in Melbourne.
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However, Samson was informed about the Indian team management’s decision in advance, raising serious concerns over the cricketer’s fate in the national team. Sanju is already out of the ODI team and now being ignored for two consecutive matches points to a disappointing picture.
Questions have been raised on Gautam Gambhir’s long conversation with Sanju Samson.
Before the toss, Gambhir and Samson were seen having an intense discussion at the Gabba nets. The discussion revolved around the reason behind Samson’s sudden omission from the playing eleven, especially when he was expected to play a key role in the five-match T20 series.
Samson’s continuous exclusion from India’s XI has sparked a huge debate among fans. Some believe that the team management is trying to test other players ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, while others feel that the Kerala captain has once again become a victim of India’s erratic selection policy.
Long discussion between Gautam Gambhir and Sanju Samson pic.twitter.com/xUrpGOnDzL
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 8 November 2025
Samson was given the backing under Gambhir’s new coaching setup, but suddenly his place looks untenable. Although Gambhir reportedly explained that the decision was tactical, Sanju’s face shows a different picture, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 looming.
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It’s always good to win a bilateral series: Suryakumar Yadav before the T20 series decider
Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said that it feels good to win bilateral series, but finding the right team combination matters more. Suryakumar stressed that apart from the openers, every batsman needs to remain flexible in his batting position.
Suryakumar Yadav said at the toss, “All the boxes were ticked in the last game; we just want to continue that. It’s always good to win a bilateral series. Also, what combination you want is more important. Apart from the openers, this is a format where everyone has to be flexible in batting positions. One change – Tilak is rested; Rinku comes in.”