In a recent discussion on the ‘Game On Hai’ show, former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar praised Gautam Gambhir for his support of Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson. Akhtar highlighted Gambhir’s efforts in advocating for Samson’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, where Samson’s performance has sparked significant attention.
Samson’s Return and Performance
Sanju Samson’s return to the Indian lineup came after a disappointing loss to South Africa. The team faced the West Indies in a high-stakes match. Samson made an impressive comeback, scoring 97 runs in a crucial chase, which helped secure India’s victory. His momentum continued into the semi-final against England, where he scored a blistering 89 runs off just 42 balls, propelling India into the final against New Zealand.
Gambhir’s Advocacy for Samson
Akhtar shared insights on Gambhir’s dedication to securing Samson’s place in the team. He stated that it was not an easy decision. There was strong resistance within the team management. Gambhir had to push hard to ensure that Samson was selected despite initial skepticism.
- Sanju Samson’s statistics in the tournament:
- Matches: 4
- Total Runs: 232
- Batting Average: 77.33
- Strike Rate: 201.73
- Half-Centuries: 2
- Highest Score: 97 against West Indies
Record Achievements
Samson has made a mark in the shortened format of the game, recording 16 sixes in the tournament, surpassing Rohit Sharma’s previous Indian record of 15 sixes set in 2024. His performance has positioned him alongside legendary cricketer Virat Kohli, as his score of 89 equaled Kohli’s record for the highest in a T20 World Cup knockout match.
Conclusion
With Australia and New Zealand facing off in the final, eyes will be on how Gambhir’s faith in Samson pays off. The spotlight will also be on Samson as he aims to continue his stellar performance and help India to ultimate victory.
