Old Tweets Resurface: Gambhir Once Called Sanju Samson India’s Best Wicketkeeper-Batter

Old social-media posts of Team India’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir have once again triggered discussion online. These posts from 2019 and 2020 show Gambhir’s strong endorsement of Sanju Samson, whom he had then termed India’s best wicketkeeper-batter and a leading contender for the No. 4 spot in the World Cup lineup.

Now, as Gambhir takes charge as head coach and Samson continues to battle for a consistent place in the playing XI, these remarks are going viral across platforms.

Gambhir’s Old Posts Show Unwavering Support for Sanju

Gambhir had repeatedly backed Samson’s talent and potential. Some of his old posts include:

• 22 September 2020:
  “Strange that Sanju Samson doesn’t find a place in India’s playing XI. Everyone else is ready to take him with open arms.”
• 22 September 2020 (second post):
  “Samson is not just India’s best wicketkeeper-batsman, but also the best young batsman! Anyone wants to debate?”
• 29 March 2019 (before the World Cup):
  Gambhir publicly said Samson was India’s best wicketkeeper-batter and should bat at No. 4 in the World Cup.

These posts underline Gambhir’s deep belief in Samson’s abilities. Samson himself recalled in August 2025, on R. Ashwin’s YouTube channel, that after he was dismissed for two consecutive ducks on the Sri Lanka tour, Gambhir told him:

“I will drop you only when you get out on zero 21 times.”

This, Samson said, boosted his confidence immensely.

Current Scenario: Samson Still Fighting for a Spot

Despite Gambhir’s earlier faith, Samson is currently struggling to cement a place in the Indian team.

• Shubman Gill’s return has displaced Samson from the opening slot.
• After the first two matches on the Australia tour, Jitesh Sharma has been preferred as wicketkeeper.
• Samson was also left out of the first T20 in Cuttack.

When it comes to numbers, Samson’s T20 record as an opener is actually stronger than Gill’s —

• Samson: 3 centuries and 1 half-century
• Gill: 1 century

Yet, team combinations and competition for spots have made his path tougher.