The head coach of India Gautam Gambhir addresses the growing debate about: Sanju SamsonHis absence from the T20I side, insisting that the wicketkeeper-batter remains in the team’s plans despite their absence from the ongoing series against England. Samson’s absence became one of the biggest talking points after India slumped to a record 125-run defeat against England in the third T20I at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. The wicketkeeper-batter, who was India’s Player of the Tournament during their successful defense of the T20 World Cup title, was dropped in the second T20I, missed the third match and was also left out of the squad for the Zimbabwe tour. After India’s defeat, Gambhir revealed that he had spoken to Samson about his role in the team, while making it clear that the discussions would remain private. “The first thing is that about the clarity that Sanju Samson needs, he has given that from my side. That is a conversation strictly between the player and the head coach. That conversation does not come outside,” Gambhir said. The India coach emphasized that Samson’s contributions have not been overlooked but said current form will continue to influence selection decisions. “As for Sanju, obviously what he has done for India is exceptional and sometimes you have to look at a player’s form. There is no hard and fast rule that he can’t come back in this series.” Gambhir also defended India’s selection policy, saying that every player should continue to earn their place in the national side. “International cricket is about results, so whatever we feel is the best combination to give us that result, we play that combination and that playing XI. I have always been a big believer that everyone should earn their place and right to play for India. India’s loss at Trent Bridge was their biggest run in T20 internationals. Chasing 202, the visitors were bowled out for just 76 in 11.4 overs after teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell for 13. The collapse gave England a 125-run victory and a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after the opening match was washed out. The result also extended India’s struggles in the format, with the reigning T20 world champions now having lost their last four completed T20Is following a 2-0 series defeat in Ireland. Captain: Shreyas Iyer Described the batting display as “atrocious” and admitted that the team had to “go completely back to the drawing board” after the heavy defeat.