India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about the head coach Gautam Gambhir’s obsession with the wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.
After Shubman Gill’s elevation as India’s vice-captain in the T20Is, Sanju Samson’s position in the playing XI was under threat.
For the past 12 months, Samson opened alongside Abhishek Sharma in the format, and even the Kerala star struck three centuries, but Gill’s return to the Indian side cost him his opening slot. However, the wicketkeeper-batter remained a key part of the setup.
Suryakumar Yadav praises Gautam Gambhir’s clear vision for Sanju Samson
Samson was not just picked in the India squad for the Asia Cup 2025, but he played a significant role in the team’s title triumph in the UAE. He got a chance in every match ahead of Jitesh Sharma. Sanju has amassed 108 runs in six matches at an average of 36.00 and a strike rate of 127.05.
Recently, Suryakumar Yadav shared how Gautam Gambhir’s clear vision for Samson has impressed him. The Indian captain admitted that many expected Jitesh Sharma to start ahead of Samson, especially with Gill opening, but Gambhir had already made his plans for the latter.
Suryakumar Yadav reveals Gautam Gambhir’s unwavering trust in Sanju Samson
The Indian head coach was very clear from the beginning that Samson would play, no matter which position he batted at. Well, the Kerala star proved his worth in the middle order. Gambhir and management tested Samson’s adaptability, and he passed it with flying colours.
He appreciated how Gambhir believed in Samson and mentioned how such clarity from the coach allowed players to focus purely on performance rather than selection doubts.
Suryakumar Yadav said on Vimal Kumar’s podcast, “With the addition of Shubman Gill and Jitesh Sharma in the squad, everyone thought Jitesh would start over Sanju Samson. But Gauti Bhai was clear from day one that Sanju should play, no matter which batting position he is in.”
‘T20I Batter of the Year’ Sanju Samson ready to play any role for India
Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was named the T20I Batter of the Year at the CEAT Cricket Awards 2025 in Mumbai. Earlier, the Kerala star was also selected in India’s 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, starting October 29.
The right-handed batter also broke his silence on batting down the order in the T20I line after Gill’s return at the event. The wicketkeeper has stressed that representing India means everything to him. He has pointed out that wearing the Indian jersey comes before everything else, and he’s ready to play any role for the team.
Samson said at the CEAT Cricket Awards 2025: “When you wear that Indian jersey, you cannot say no to anything. I have really worked very hard to wear that jersey and, more importantly, to stay in their dressing room. I take a lot of pride in doing a job for my country. So even if they want to bat me at number 9 or maybe bowl some left-arm spin, I think I am happy to do that as well. So whatever job for the country, I think I do not mind.”