Sanju Samson needed to be given a break after ‘tough series against New Zealand’, says Gambhir: ‘Always knew he will deliver’

Key Highlights

• And we always knew that whenever we needed him in the World Cup game, he’ll come and deliver it for us,” Gambhir told reporters after the match.
• ALSO READ | ‘I kept doubting myself’: Sanju Samson reflects after his 97 off 50 balls leads India to T20 World Cup semifinal Samson had been earmarked as India’s first-choice opener and wicketkeeper back when they had announced the squad for the tournament in December, pipping the team’s then-vice-captain Shubman Gill at the top of the order.
• However, then came a string of low scores in India’s five-match series against New Zealand, coupled with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan hitting top form.
• This led to India having a rethink about Samson’s role and Kishan ended up taking his opening spot with Abhishek Sharma and wicketkeepers’ gloves as well.
• Samson did play two matches in the tournament, first stepping in for the hospitalised Abhishek in their group-stage match against Namibia and then in the Super Eights against Zimbabwe, which was the match in which India bounced back after their heavy defeat against South Africa.