Did Gambhir Really Say He'd Drop Samson Only After 21 Ducks?
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Synopsis
Discover how Sanju Samson's confidence soared after Gautam Gambhir's supportive words. In this revealing account, Samson shares the impact of Gambhir's mentorship on his T20I career, leading to his impressive performances on the field. Will this boost help him secure a spot in the Asia Cup? Read on to learn more.
Key Takeaways
- Gautam Gambhir's support has significantly impacted Sanju Samson's confidence.
- Samson's performance: 861 runs in 42 T20Is.
- Opportunity to open: Gambhir’s promise of seven matches as opener.
- Mentorship: Strong leadership can enhance athlete performance.
- Asia Cup: Samson is in contention for selection.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson praised India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir for his unwavering support, revealing that Gambhir mentioned he would only be removed from the team if he accumulated 21 ducks.
After Gambhir took over as head coach following the T20 World Cup victory and Suryakumar Yadav was appointed captain, Samson was given the chance to open the batting, forming a strong partnership with left-hander Abhishek Sharma.
“The shift occurred after the T20 World Cup. Gautam bhai stepped in, and Surya took charge as captain. I was participating in a Duleep Trophy match in Andhra while Surya played for the opposing side,” he explained.
“He informed me, ‘A great opportunity is on the horizon for you. We have seven matches lined up, and I will give you all seven games as an opener.’ Hearing this from the captain truly made me feel excited,” Samson shared in a video on former off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel on Saturday.
Samson further elaborated on Gambhir’s encouragement, stating, “I played two games in Sri Lanka but couldn’t score runs. I felt a bit down in the dressing room when Gautam bhai approached me and asked what was wrong.”
“I expressed my disappointment, saying, 'I finally got a chance, but I didn’t make the most of it.' He replied, ‘So what? I’ll drop you if you make 21 ducks.’ Those were his exact words. That kind of assurance from both the captain and the coach significantly boosted my confidence, helping me perform better,” he added.
To date, Samson has played in 42 T20Is for India, accumulating 861 runs at an average of 25.32 and a strike rate of 152.38. He has achieved three centuries and two fifties, with his first hundred against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last year, followed by two more centuries against South Africa.
He is in the running for selection for the Indian squad in the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE from September 9-28. Samson expressed his frustration with being in and out of the team since his T20I debut in 2015, but noted that things have improved with Gambhir and Suryakumar’s arrival.
“I understand that being on and off the team for an extended period was challenging, and it wasn’t easy to manage those feelings,” he remarked.
“Having spent almost eight to nine years in my international career, I have only participated in around 15 games. I’ve always tried to maintain a positive mindset, reminding myself, ‘It will happen; different individuals have unique journeys, and mine is distinct,'” he concluded.
Point of View
This story highlights the significance of mentorship in sports. Gautam Gambhir's encouragement of Sanju Samson demonstrates how positive reinforcement can lead to improved performances. This narrative not only showcases the personal growth of an athlete but also emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in sports, aligning with our commitment to supporting the nation’s sports narrative.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gautam Gambhir say to Sanju Samson?
Gautam Gambhir reassured Sanju Samson that he would only be dropped from the team if he scored 21 ducks, which greatly boosted Samson's confidence.
How has Sanju Samson performed in T20Is?
Sanju Samson has played 42 T20Is for India, scoring 861 runs with an average of 25.32 and a strike rate of 152.38, including three centuries.
What opportunity did Samson receive from Gambhir?
Gambhir informed Samson that he would have the chance to open in all seven upcoming matches after taking over as head coach and Suryakumar Yadav's appointment as captain.
When is the Asia Cup taking place?
The Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to September 28.
What challenges has Samson faced in his career?
Samson expressed frustration with being in and out of the team since his T20I debut in 2015, only playing around 15 games in nearly nine years.
