Sanju Samson made bold ‘Gautam Gambhir’ comment on losing the opening spot to Shubman Gill

Sanju Samson made the most of the opportunity as he was finally reinstated into India’s playing XI for the fifth and final T20I against South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday (December 19). Sanju Samson was included in the playing eleven after Shubman Gill was ruled out of the match due to a toe injury.

The right-handed batsman grabbed the opportunity with both hands and showed how effective he can be as an opening batsman with a brilliant inning of 37 runs in 22 balls against South Africa.

As India’s opening debate heats up, Sanju Samson makes a comeback and shines

Notably, Samson was replaced at the top of the order after Gill returned as India’s T20I vice-captain. That move pushed the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman down the order.

Also read: Competition between Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar for a place in ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Shubman Gill is facing a tough challenge.

Batting in the middle order did not suit him and the 31-year-old was eventually dropped from the playing eleven. But at the same time, Gill has also struggled to score since his return to India’s T20 squad in September and he is currently facing the heat for the same.

India’s Test and ODI captain has not scored a single half-century in T20Is since coming back during the Asia Cup 2025. He played three matches against South Africa and scored scores of 4, 0 and 28, raising questions about India’s opening combination, especially as Samson continues to impress when given his chance at the top.

No frustration, no confusion: Sanju Samson clarifies on his batting position

After India’s 30-run win in Ahmedabad, Samson has finally opened up about losing his starting spot to Gill. The Kerala star has made it clear that there is no confusion or disappointment within the team. Sanju stressed that the atmosphere in the team is positive and he understands the thinking behind the team’s plans and the direction the leadership group wants to follow.

Samson also stressed that he has a strong relationship with Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav. Communication with the two has been clear and open, which has helped them stay focused despite the ups and downs.

Also read: Suryakumar Yadav finally accepts his poor form but praises his team’s dominance

Speaking with Irfan Pathan and Varun Aaron on JioHotstar after the match, Sanju Samson said, “The team atmosphere is really important because there is a big tournament coming up. I have been in the system long enough to know what they were trying to do. I know what the leadership group was trying to do, because I am quite experienced. I have a good relationship with both Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav, so the communication with them is quite open.”

Sanju Samson laughed off the initial question before the New Zealand T20I.

Meanwhile, a funny moment emerged when Pathan asked Samson if he would open for India in the upcoming New Zealand series. Surprised, the Kerala star laughed off the question, making the former Indian cricketer laugh.

Samson said, “Bhaiya, aap open karo, main kya bolun yaar. Aise question nahi poochna chahiye, Irfan Bhai. (Please, you make me open. What should I say? You should not ask these questions. (Laughs)).”

Notably, Sanju is almost confirmed to be selected along with Jitesh Sharma in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at home in February-March and in Sri Lanka next year.