WATCH: Gautam Gambhir faces ‘We Want Sanju Samson’ chants after India’s loss to England in third T20I

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India’s crushing defeat against England in the third T20I has triggered widespread criticism from fans, with much of the frustration directed towards the team management over recent selection decisions. Following the humiliating 125-run loss at Trent Bridge, head coach Gautam Gambhir found himself at the centre of attention as traveling Indian supporters voiced their disappointment outside the stadium. The incident quickly went viral on social media, adding another talking point to an already disappointing outing for the Men in Blue.

As the Indian team made its way towards the team bus after the match, a large group of fans gathered outside the venue and began chanting “We Want Sanju Samson” in support of the wicketkeeper-batter. The chants grew louder when Gambhir emerged from the stadium, with the head coach walking past the crowd under tight security.

The former India opener kept his head down and offered little reaction as supporters continued calling for Samson’s return to the playing XI. Videos of the incident spread rapidly across social media, with many fans expressing their disappointment over the team’s recent selection choices following another poor batting display.

The calls for Samson’s comeback come after the Kerala batter was left out of the playing XI following a difficult run with the bat earlier in the tour. He also missed out on selection for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe, with the selectors opting to hand Prabhsimran Singh his maiden call-up instead.

We want Sanju …..#SanjuSamson #INDvsENG

— 𝐀𝐣𝐚𝐲 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐝 (@iamajayjangirr) July 8, 2026

Also READ: Fans slam India as England crush visitors by a record margin in the third T20I

The backlash came after one of India’s worst performances in the shortest format. Chasing 202 after England posted 201/7, the visitors collapsed for just 76 in 11.4 overs, registering their biggest defeat by runs in T20I cricket. Phil Salt top-scored with 70 for England before Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue dismantled India’s batting lineup. Archer claimed three wickets, while Tongue produced outstanding figures of 4/28 as India failed to recover after losing early wickets.

The defeat also handed England an unassailable lead in the five-match series, extending India’s losing streak to five consecutive T20 matches. With only two games remaining, the visitors will now be aiming to finish the tour on a positive note and avoid a series whitewash.

Also READ: Hanuma Vihari questions BCCI over Rajat Patidar’s exclusion from India’s T20I squad for Zimbabwe series