Gautam Gambhir Faces Public Wrath As Mob Chants For Sanju Samson

Gautam Gambhir and Tilak Varma in front of mob [Source: @RevSportz/X]

The Indian cricket team endured yet another disappointing outing against England in the second T20I played on July 7. The match saw England win by a massive 125-run margin, with the Men in Blue getting bundled out for only 76 runs while chasing a target of 202. 

While all the batters disappointed, expectations from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi were huge. Fans and the internet alike wanted Sooryavanshi to perform, especially after his impressive run in IPL 2025 and 2026. However, Sooryavanshi failed again and was sent back by Jofra Archer after scoring 13 runs from five deliveries.

This gave rise to another controversy, where Gautam Gambhir had to face backlash from the mob because of Sanju Samson's ouster. 

The Sanju Samson Snub That Angered Fans

For the unaware, Samson was replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Playing XI after the first England T20I since he had been underperforming. In the Ireland series, he piled up a total of five runs, while in the first England T20I too, he managed to score only one run. This prompted Gautam Gambhir and Co. to replace him with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

However, Sooryavanshi's performances and attacking approach on the field have also been below par, and this unleashed the fans' wrath on Gambhir. 

Gambhir Gets Thrashed By The Mob With 'We Want Sanju' Chants

After the match, Gautam Gambhir, alongside the Indian team, was leaving Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The mob surrounding the exit gate loudly chanted, "We want Sanju Samson," while pointing fingers at Gambhir. 

Mufaddal Vohra

@mufaddal_vohra

‘We want Sanju’ chants outside the stadium when team India leaves.

Jul 8, 2026, 7:31 AM

Gautam Gambhir and Tilak Varma, alongside the entire Indian cricket team, were seen hiding their faces and exiting to board the team bus. This massive uproar from the audience gained significant attention since Samson was also snubbed from the Zimbabwe T20I series.

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Will Samson Get His Place Back In The Playing XI Soon?

Sooryavanshi hasn't performed well yet and is not up to the mark considering the explosive reputation he brings. However, it doesn't mean that Sanju Samson will get his place back in the Playing XI anytime soon. 

With two matches lost and one match washed out, India currently has an opportunity to draw the England T20I series. The fourth T20I will likely see Samson sit out since the Kerala batter has been rested for the India vs Zimbabwe tour as well.

Gautam Gambhir Keeps Door Open For Samson

Significantly, Gambhir announced that Samson's door has not been completely closed for the remainder of the series. In a post match press conference, Gautam cleared that he might return to the XI if he earns his place again.

"There is no such hard and fast rule that Sanju Samson cannot return to the team. Everyone has to earn their place," Gambhir shared.

As of now, with Sooryavanshi getting an opportunity in the Playing XI, Gambhir and the team management would like to continue with him and experiment to see how he performs by giving him a chance throughout the England tour. 

Although reports emerged regarding Samson's Asian Games 2026 ouster, it was later confirmed that he is in the long-term plans for India. Hence, although it might be an end for Sanju Samson on the England tour, that is definitely not the end for him in the Indian T20I setup.

Also Read- Watch - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Gives An Angry Stare To England Team After Falling In Jofra Archer's Trap