Sanju Samson may have returned to India’s T20I side with 117 runs in three matches, but Gautam Gambhir believes the bigger story is what the wicketkeeper-batter adds to the team.
Samson was left out of the side during the UK and Ireland tour after a run of failures. His return against Afghanistan, however, produced two fifties and a strike rate of 180, strengthening his case for a regular place in the side.
For Gambhir, individual statistics are only part of the picture. The India head coach said the team’s focus is on impact rather than simply counting runs or wickets.
“T20 cricket is not about runs or wickets. It’s about how much impact can you create,” Gambhir said.
That approach was evident in the third T20I, when Abhishek Sharma smashed a record 30-ball century. Samson also contributed as India raced to 100 runs in the Powerplay for the first time during Gambhir’s coaching tenure.
“For me, I think the biggest positive was when we got a 100 in the Powerplay. That we have never done in my coaching tenure,” Gambhir said.
The coach also defended Samson’s place in the squad, pointing to his quality and previous achievements. Samson was Player of the Tournament when India won the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
“I think his talent itself is enough for him to be in the dressing room,” Gambhir said. “Someone doesn’t become a player of the tournament in a World Cup without not having a talent. So, he’s done enough.”
Gambhir admitted dropping Samson for the England series was one of his toughest decisions, but said form also had to be considered.
He added that India had always planned to return to the combination that won the World Cup, insisting a few poor performances did not make those players bad cricketers.
That decision meant teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had to wait for another opportunity. Gambhir stressed that the 15-year-old’s omission should not be viewed as a setback.
“Whenever he gets that run, he will get a longer run as well,” Gambhir said.
