India, March 9 -- Always remember that Sanju Samson, right now the toast of the town, wasn't exactly part of Gautam Gambhir's original plans. Shubman Gill, now out of favour, was the preferred choice.

In October-November 2024, in a matter of weeks, Samson had scored three T20 international tons against visitors Bangladesh and hosts South Africa. He looked like an automatic Rohit Sharma replacement who had retired after the 2024 T20 World Cup win.

But after one bad series against England early next year, he lost his opening slot in the Playing XI, and Indian cricket fans were shocked when, in the Asia Cup later in the year, Gill batted as an opener, and Samson was pushed down to No.5.

When Gill failed to impress and was eventually dropp...