Why does Gambhir continue to back Samson despite calls for Sooryavanshi?
Gambhir's decision to back Samson over Sooryavanshi reflects a preference for proven experience.
India retained Sanju Samson for the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi despite four low scores in his previous innings and the presence of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the squad. Samson responded with 82 off 41 balls.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir has maintained that the team values consistency in selection and that Samson has delivered in previous high-pressure situations. The decision to persist with Samson over Sooryavanshi reflects a preference for proven international experience in a format where results matter more than potential.
Samson's 21-ball fifty equalled Virat Kohli's record for the fastest fifty by an Indian against West Indies. The performance silenced immediate calls for change but leaves the selection debate open for future matches.
CricHubb Take
The choice signals that Gambhir values a batter who has already navigated international pressure over a prospect whose ceiling remains theoretical, even when the prospect's talent is widely acknowledged.