Highlights:
- Samson returned to the XI after Gill’s injury in the South Africa series
- He scored 37 off 22 balls in the final T20I
- Samson said communication with team leadership is clear
- Gill’s recent T20I form as opener has come under scrutiny
- Samson joked when asked about opening against New Zealand
Sanju Samson has finally spoken about losing his opening spot in India’s T20I lineup to Shubman Gill, offering a measured response that emphasized team harmony, open communication, and his understanding of the leadership’s long-term plans.
Samson made his return to India’s T20I playing XI during the recently concluded five-match series against South Africa, but only after Gill suffered a toe injury on the eve of the fourth match in Lucknow. Batting at the top in the final game in Ahmedabad, the Kerala right-hander scored a brisk 37 off 22 balls, once again underlining his effectiveness as an opener.
Following India’s 30-run win in the series finale, Samson addressed the issue during a post-match conversation with former India players Irfan Pathan and Varun Aaron on JioHotstar. Rather than expressing frustration, the 31-year-old highlighted his rapport with head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav.
“The team environment is really important because a big tournament is coming up,” Samson said. “I have been in the system long enough to know what they are trying to do. I know what the leadership group is trying to do as I am quite experienced.”
“I have a good relationship with both Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav,” he added. “Communication is quite open with them.”
Earlier this year, Gill returned to India’s T20I side as vice-captain, which resulted in Samson being pushed down the order. The move did not work in Samson’s favor, as a lack of runs in the middle order eventually saw him dropped from the playing XI altogether.
Gill, however, has also struggled to cement his place as a T20I opener. Since his comeback during the Asia Cup, the 26-year-old has not scored a single fifty in the format. In the South Africa series, Gill played three matches, registering scores of 4, 0, and 28, with the last innings coming at a run-a-ball pace. Those numbers have fueled debate among fans and former players about Samson’s continued exclusion from the top of the order.
The conversation took a lighter turn when Pathan asked Samson whether he would open for India in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Caught off guard, Samson burst into laughter and dodged the question with humor.
“Bhaiya, aap karado open, main kya bolu yaar,” Samson joked. “Aise sawaal nahi puchne chahiye, Irfan bhai,” he added, leaving both Pathan and Aaron laughing.
Samson’s relaxed response stood in contrast to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his role in the team. Last year, he scored three centuries and was widely praised for his consistency. However, a poor series against England in January proved costly, as he lost the opening position to Gill.
For now, Samson appears focused on contributing whenever given the opportunity, choosing patience and perspective over controversy as India continues to fine-tune its T20I combination ahead of major tournaments.
