Shoaib Akhtar Unveils Gautam Gambhir’s Support for Sanju Samson’s Return
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has lauded India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir for his unwavering support of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. After India’s defeat to South Africa, Gambhir pushed for Samson’s inclusion in the playing XI against the West Indies. The decision paid off as Samson scored a remarkable 97 runs, leading India to victory. He continued his impressive form in the semi-final against England, scoring 89 runs off just 42 balls, securing India’s spot in the final against New Zealand.
Samson’s Stellar Performance in the Tournament
Sanju Samson has been a standout performer in the ongoing T20 World Cup, showcasing his exceptional batting skills. In four matches, he has amassed a total of 232 runs, boasting an impressive average of 77.33 and a strike rate of 201.73. His contributions have been pivotal for the Indian team, particularly his unbeaten 97 against the West Indies, which came during a crucial knockout match. This performance not only helped India secure a win but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
In the semi-final against England, Samson continued to shine, scoring 89 runs off just 42 deliveries. This innings was significant as it matched the record set by Virat Kohli for the highest score by an Indian in a T20 World Cup knockout match. Kohli had previously scored 89 not out against the West Indies in the 2016 semi-final. Samson’s ability to replicate such performances underscores his talent and importance to the Indian squad.
Gautam Gambhir’s Advocacy for Samson
Shoaib Akhtar emphasized the challenges that Sanju Samson faced before being included in the team. He noted that Gambhir had to advocate strongly for Samson’s selection, which was not an easy task given the competition for spots in the Indian lineup. Akhtar recalled that Samson has been part of the Indian cricket scene since 2014 but had to wait for opportunities due to the presence of established wicketkeepers like MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik.
Gambhir’s determination to include Samson in the squad reflects his belief in the player’s potential. Akhtar pointed out that Samson’s selection was a result of persistent efforts and scrutiny, especially since he did not play in the initial matches of the tournament. This backing from Gambhir has allowed Samson to flourish and demonstrate his capabilities on the international stage.
Record-Breaking Six-Hitting Ability
In addition to his impressive run-scoring, Sanju Samson has made headlines for his six-hitting prowess in the T20 World Cup. With 16 sixes to his name, he has set a new Indian record for the most sixes in a single T20 World Cup campaign, surpassing Rohit Sharma’s previous record of 15 sixes from the 2024 edition. This achievement highlights Samson’s aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary, making him a key player for India as they head into the final against New Zealand.
Samson’s remarkable performances have not only elevated his status within the team but have also made him a fan favorite. As India prepares for the final, all eyes will be on Samson to see if he can continue his exceptional form and help lead the team to victory.
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