The ultimate T20I of 2025 in Ahmedabad didn’t simply finish with India lifting the trophy; it reignited one of the vital polarizing debates in Indian cricket. Whereas India secured a 3-1 collection win over South Africa on Friday, December 19, the highlight shifted from the scoreboard to the commentary field, the place Ravi Shastri took a direct swipe on the Gautam Gambhir-led administration’s choice calls.
Sanju Samson Shines in Shubman Gill’s absence
Coming into the collection decider on the Narendra Modi Stadium, India made a compelled change. Vice-captain Shubman Gill was sidelined with a foot damage, opening the door for Sanju Samson to return to his most popular slot on the high of the order.
Samson didn’t simply play; he despatched a message. Inside the first 5 overs, he had dismantled the Proteas’ tempo assault, smashing 37 off 22 balls (4 boundaries, 2 sixes). His medical timing and aggressive intent offered the precisely the sort of “powerplay-plus” begin India has been in search of.
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Ravi Shastri questions staff administration for Samson’s continued absence
Watching Samson hammer Marco Jansen over further cowl, former head coach Shastri didn’t maintain again. His phrases on dwell tv resonated with tens of millions of followers who’ve lengthy known as for Samson’s constant inclusion:
“Whenever you see him batting like this, you typically suppose, why is he not within the aspect within the first place? Why ought to or not it’s an damage that brings him in?” Shastri remarked.
He went on to emphasise Samson’s pure aptitude, including, “He’s a pure for that place on the high… three a whole bunch already in T20 cricket, two towards South Africa back-to-back. He’s explosive and harmful.”
Shastri’s critique factors to a deeper tactical wrestle inside the present setup. Beneath Gambhir, the administration has prioritized Gill as a long-term chief and opener. Nevertheless, Gill’s T20I type has been below the microscope, having managed solely 33 runs throughout his three appearances this collection—4 runs fewer than what Samson scored in a single outing on Friday.
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