India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has revealed that Sanju Samson has been given the clarity after he was dropped following the first T20I against England. Samson also didn’t find any place in the squad for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe

The Kerala batter has returned with scores of 5, 0 and 1 in the last three T20I innings and thus the pressure was building on him. However, Samson was the star of the show in the 2026 T20 World Cup, scoring 321 runs in five matches at a strike rate of almost 200 and was awarded Player of the tournament.

Furthermore, Samson had a decent run in IPL 2026, scoring 477 runs for Chennai Super Kings in 14 matches.

“The first thing is that regarding the clarity Sanju Samson needed, he has been given that from my side. That’s a conversation strictly between the player and the head coach. That conversation is not going to come outside,” said Gambhir in the press conference.

Gambhir said they decide the playing XI, which can give them the best results. The former Indian opener said everyone needs to earn his place in the team.

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

“Regarding Sanju, we are very clear. What he has done for India has been 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.”

The fourth T20I between England and India will be played at Bristol, County Ground on Thursday.