Gautam Gambhir explains why Sanju Samson brought back in India's T20 World Cup 2026 playing XI

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has explained why Sanju Samson was brought back into the playing XI during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. There were speculations that Samson had been brought back into the playing XI to target any particular bowler and to break left-handers at the top.

Why Samson was included in India's T20 World Cup playing XI

However, Gambhir said that the decision was driven by a clear attacking approach rather than specific tactical match-ups. According to Gambhir, Samson has the ability to change games right in the power play.

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“We didn’t bring him in to target any particular bowler or to break left-handers at the top. Our idea over the last 18 months has been simple: we want to be as explosive as possible. Sanju gives us extra firepower in the first six overs,” Gambhir told JioStar.

Gambhir lauds Sanju Samson

He praised Samson’s game-changing talent and said his presence adds another dimension to India’s already strong batting line-up.

“We know what Sanju can do. If he gets going, he can win a game in the first six overs. Imagine having Abhishek, Sanju, and Ishan at the top, followed by Surya, Hardik, Tilak, Shivam, and Axar. That’s as strong a lineup as you can ask for,” he said.

Gambhir's chat with Samson

Gambhir also described how he spoke to Samson about returning to the side. The conversation happened casually during a training session before India’s match against Zimbabwe.

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“I told him in the gym that he would be playing against Zimbabwe. He just said, ‘let it come.’ That’s how relaxed our chats are. It’s not just a coach-player relationship; most of our one-on-one talks happen while we train together,” he added.

Sanju Samson's T20 World Cup 2026 performance

Samson, who was not in India's playing XI in the initial phase of the T20 World Cup 2026, was awarded the Player of the Tournament. He scored 321 runs across just five innings at a staggering strike rate of 199.37.