Gautam Gambhir Faces Backlash Over Playing Jitesh Sharma in Place of Sanju Samson in Aus-Ind 4th T20I: 'Why we Are Doing...'

Gautam Gambhir Faces Backlash for Team Selection in Aus-Ind 4th T20I

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come under heavy criticism for choosing Jitesh Sharma over Sanju Samson in the 4th T20I against Australia at Carrara Oval, Queensland.

Aakash Chopra Questions Sanju Samson’s Role

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra raised concerns about Samson's exclusion and his batting position. He noted that Samson performed reasonably well after being moved from the opener role.

“The biggest question that is looming large is – what have we decided about Sanju Samson? Sanju not playing is a big, big, big question as to why we are doing like that. We played Sanju and he had done decently as well. I won’t say he had done extraordinarily, but he was okay. You made him bat up the order against Oman and he scored a fifty,” Chopra said.

Chopra added that even in the Asia Cup final, Samson contributed runs and questioned the team's inconsistency in utilizing him. While the initial suggestion was to have Samson open the batting, the decision to exclude him in favor of Jitesh Sharma has sparked debate.

“You played him in the (Asia Cup) final and he scored a few runs. You only told us that he can bat down the order. We were saying you should make him open only, and if you are not doing that, play Jitesh. That was my original position, but you said you will be able to take care of Sanju Samson and will play him, and you know what you are doing.”

Impact and Public Reaction

The decision to replace Samson with Sharma has led to questions regarding team strategy and player management from fans and analysts alike.

Author's Summary: Gautam Gambhir's choice to drop Sanju Samson for Jitesh Sharma in the 4th T20I triggered criticism, with experts questioning the reasoning behind Samson’s uncertain role in the lineup.

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Republic World Republic World — 2025-11-07

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