If Sanju Samson gets going he can win you the game in the first six overs, says Gautam Gambhir

By Admin

16 Mar, 2026

India’s aggressive approach in T20 cricket has been built around fearless batting, particularly during the Powerplay. According to former cricketer and India head coach Gautam Gambhir, one player who perfectly fits this philosophy is Sanju Samson. Gambhir believes that when Samson finds his rhythm, he has the ability to finish a game within the first six overs itself.

Known for his explosive batting style and fearless stroke play, Samson has long been regarded as one of India’s most naturally gifted T20 batters. While there were moments of inconsistency, Gambhir made it clear that there was never any doubt about Samson’s talent or ability to dominate opposition bowling attacks.

Samson’s Explosive Impact in the T20 World Cup

Samson proved his value during the crucial stages of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where he delivered match-winning performances when the team needed them the most. His explosive half-centuries in both the semifinal and the final played a key role in helping India secure a record third T20 World Cup title.

In the final, Samson partnered with Abhishek Sharma to dismantle the New Zealand national cricket team bowling attack early. The duo powered India to 92 runs in the Powerplay, setting the tone for a dominant victory.

Speaking about Samson’s impact, Gambhir said:

“We know what Sanju can do, there was never any doubt about his talent and explosiveness. If he gets going, he can win you the game in the first six overs.”

This aggressive start reflects India’s new T20 strategy   attacking from the very first ball and putting pressure on the opposition immediately.

A Comeback After a Difficult Start

Interestingly, Samson was not part of the playing XI earlier in the tournament, largely due to a poor build-up series against New Zealand. However, circumstances changed when India needed a spark in a must-win match against Zimbabwe national cricket team.

Given the opportunity, Samson immediately made an impact by smashing 24 runs off just 15 balls, providing the quick start India needed.

From there, his confidence grew rapidly. In India’s last three games of the tournament, Samson delivered exceptional performances, scoring:

• 97 not out
  
  

• 89
  
  

• 89
  
  

These innings highlighted his ability to shift gears quickly and dominate bowlers once he settles at the crease.

Gambhir’s Unique Relationship With Players

Gambhir also shared insights into his relationship with players, particularly Samson. Rather than maintaining a formal coach-player dynamic, he prefers open and casual communication.

He revealed that he informed Samson about his selection while both were training in the gym.

“I conveyed it to him in the gym. In fact, we were both training together and I just told him that you'll be playing against Zimbabwe, and he said, ‘let it come.’ That’s the kind of casual conversation we have.”

According to Gambhir, most of his one-on-one discussions with players happen naturally during practice sessions rather than in formal meetings.

More Firepower at the Top Order

At one stage in the tournament, India’s top order consisted of three left-handed batters   Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, and Tilak Varma. Some analysts believed Samson’s inclusion was meant to break that left-handed combination.

However, Gambhir clarified that the decision was purely about adding more firepower at the top.

“We just felt that we wanted to be more explosive because the ideology in the last one and a half years has been to go out there and be as explosive as we can be.”

He emphasized that the strategy had nothing to do with managing spin bowlers but was entirely focused on aggressive Powerplay batting.

Backing Young Talent: Abhishek Sharma’s Story

Another player who benefited from Gambhir’s support was Abhishek Sharma. The opener had a tough start to the tournament, registering three ducks in the early matches.

Despite the poor numbers, Gambhir remained confident in the youngster’s ability.

“People will look at your scores and talk about your form, but actually you are not out of form, you are just out of runs.”

He explained that a batter’s form can only truly be judged after facing 20 to 30 balls, something Abhishek had not managed during those early dismissals.

The faith paid off. Abhishek bounced back strongly with two half-centuries, including a crucial innings in the final.

India’s Aggressive T20 Philosophy

Under Gambhir’s leadership, the Indian team has adopted a clear and bold philosophy   attack early and dominate the Powerplay. The idea is simple: if the top order fires in the first six overs, the match can effectively be decided before the middle overs even begin.

Players like Sanju Samson perfectly embody this approach. With his ability to play innovative shots and clear the boundary with ease, he remains one of India’s most dangerous batters in the shortest format.

As Gambhir summed up, when Samson is at his explosive best, a match can be won in the first six overs itself.