New Delhi: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly defended the team’s T20I setup, insisting that a few poor performances should not lead to sudden changes in the playing XI.
Gambhir revealed that dropping Sanju Samson during India’s T20I series in England was one of the most difficult decisions of his coaching career. Samson had been named Player of the Tournament during India’s T20 World Cup triumph, but was left out after the opening match to make room for teenage batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was in impressive form.
Gambhir said the decision kept him awake that night, but explained that the team needed to consider current form and the combination required at the top of the order. He also stressed that selection should be based on what the captain and coach believe gives India the best chance of winning, rather than outside pressure or social media discussions.
The coach added that young players must sometimes wait for their opportunities, particularly when established players have consistently performed over a long period. He said India wanted to maintain confidence and security within the dressing room rather than make popular decisions after a handful of failures.
Gambhir also praised T20I captain Shreyas Iyer for his selfless approach to leadership. He highlighted Iyer’s willingness to move down the batting order when required for the team’s combination, calling selflessness an important quality in a leader.
Reflecting on India’s recent success, Gambhir pointed out that the team had achieved another World Cup triumph within 17 months rather than waiting 17 years. He argued that a poor series or a few disappointing matches should not erase the consistency and success built over the previous two years.
Gambhir’s message was clear: India’s T20I setup needs continuity, patience and trust rather than knee jerk reactions to short term setbacks.
