India head coach Gautam Gambhir insists Sanju Samson remains in contention despite his surprise omission from the playing XI after England beat India by 125 runs in the third T20 to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

This is India’s biggest defeat in terms of runs in T-20, due to which the investigation has intensified. team selection call. Chasing 202, India were bowled out for just 76 runs in 11.4 overs as Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue tore apart the batting line-up. losses also increased Shreyas Iyer’s failure to win in five matches as T20I captainIndia are still searching for answers after a disappointing performance which included four defeats and one match being washed out due to rain.

The biggest talking point has been the absence of Samson. The wicketkeeper-batsman was India’s Player of the Tournament during their successful T20 World Cup title defence, producing several match-winning performances. Yet, despite those exploits, he found himself on the sidelines during India’s difficult transition under Gambhir and Iyer.

England vs India 3rd T20I: highlight | report

Withdrawal is still possible

Speaking after the defeat, Gambhir dismissed suggestions that Samson had been left out of the team’s plans, revealing that he had already spoken to the batsman about his role.

Gambhir said, “The first thing is that the clarity that Sanju Samson needed has been given to him from my side. This is completely a conversation between the player and the head coach. This conversation is not going to come out.”

The Indian coach reiterated that Samson’s contribution has not been forgotten, but also said that current form will continue to impact selection.

“Regarding Sanju, we are very clear that what he has done for India is phenomenal and sometimes you just have to look at the form of a certain player. There is no hard and fast rule that he cannot make a comeback in this series.”

Gambhir also defended the team’s selection philosophy, saying that every player should keep earning his place.

“International cricket is about results, so whatever we feel is the best combination to give results, we play with that combination and the final XI. I have always been a big believer that everyone needs to earn their place and right to play for India.”

Adaptability under the spotlight

With India struggling throughout the tour, Gambhir admitted that the team had failed to adapt to the conditions, a concern that was reflected in the results against both Ireland and England.

“In terms of adaptability, obviously we haven’t adapted well. That’s the reality, whether it’s Ireland or England. If we had adapted well or played better cricket, maybe we wouldn’t have lost four games in a row.”

The crushing defeat in Bristol has further increased the debate over India’s team composition. While Gambhir has made it clear that Samson’s international career is far from over, India’s continued struggles mean that every selection call will remain under the microscope until results start improving.

– ends