India’s embarrassing loss against England in the third T20I has left the fans furious at the team management and selectors. Following the humiliating defeat at Trent Bridge, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir faced massive backlash from traveling supporters on July 7, with fans demanding the immediate reinstatement of star wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson.
Fans Erupt Over Samson’s Omission
Outside the stadium in Nottingham, a large group of passionate Indian fans gathered to express their frustration. As the team prepared to depart, the crowd started loudly chanting, “We want Sanju Samson!”
The situation became visually dramatic when Gautam Gambhir walked out toward the team bus. Surrounded by security and a sea of vocal supporters, Gambhir’s muted reaction quickly went viral on social media.
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🚨 Chants of “We want Sanju” outside Trent Bridge in Nottingham!#INDvENG #SanjuSamson @rohitjuglan @CricSubhayan pic.twitter.com/SYAkih6JHl
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 7, 2026
The head coach kept his head down, offering a somber look toward the crowd as fans kept shouting Samson’s name. For many fans online, Gambhir’s heavy body language gave a clear hint that the team management had made a major tactical blunder.
Historic Capitulation in Nottingham
The uproar followed a historic batting collapse. Chasing a daunting target of 202 after Phil Salt’s explosive 70, India had absolutely no answer to England’s bowling attack. The visitors were bundled out for a shocking 76 runs in just 11.4 overs, marking India’s biggest defeat by runs in T20I cricket history. With this 125-run victory, England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Fans argue that dropping Samson who played a pivotal role in India’s recent 2026 ICC T20 World Cup triumph was too harsh a punishment for a three-match low string of scores. The newly engineered top order, featuring Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma, completely crumbled under the swing and seam movement at Trent Bridge.
Gambhir Clarifies the Management’s Stance
Addressing the growing tensions in the post-match press conference, Gambhir defended the selection logic but kept the door firmly open for the Kerala star.
“Regarding Sanju, we are very clear. What he has done for India has been phenomenal, and sometimes you just have to look at the form of a certain player,” Gambhir stated. “There is no hard and fast rule that he cannot make a comeback in this series.”
