What did Hassan’s furious ‘X’ gesture mean? Egypt boss’ yellow card m…

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan sparked controversy during Egypt’s dramatic 3-2 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 defeat to Argentina after making an “X” gesture toward referee François Letexier. While the gesture is recognised by FIFA as a signal against racist abuse, its meaning in this context remains unclear. FIFA has not confirmed any investigation, though Hassan’s actions may face disciplinary review.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir asserted that Sanju Samson has been given complete clarity about his role after being dropped from the playing XI and did not rule out a comeback for the wicketkeeper-batter in the ongoing T20I series against England.

Samson has also been omitted from the squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. Gambhir maintained that the senior player remains in India’s plans in the five-match series, which the visitors trail 0-2 after two losses and a washout.

“The clarity that should have been given to Sanju Samson, he has got from me,” Gambhir said after India’s 125-run defeat in the third T20I here on Tuesday. rouesnews.click

“And that conversation is between a head coach and a player. The contents of that conversation are obviously not something I’ll share with you.

“…we are absolutely clear that what Sanju has done for India, especially during the World Cup, has been phenomenal. Sometimes, though, you also have to look at the form of a certain player. There is no hard and fast rule that he cannot make a comeback in this series.”

Samson, who was adjudged Player of the Tournament at this year’s T20 World Cup, was replaced in the playing XI by 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three innings against Ireland and in the series-opener against England.

The 31-year-old was also left out of the squad for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, with the selectors preferring Prabhsimran Singh following his impressive IPL campaign for Punjab Kings.

Gambhir said team selection would continue to be based on current form and the combination that gives India the best chance of winning.

“Ultimately, international cricket is about results. Whatever we feel is the best combination to get us those results, we will play that combination and that playing XI,” he said.

“I’ve always believed that everyone needs to earn their place. Everyone needs to earn the right to play for India,” he added.

Team India suffered another major setback as the visitors were handed a crushing 125-run defeat by England in the third T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

Chasing 202 for victory, India folded for just 76 inside 12 overs, with England’s pace attack ripping through the batting order to seal a dominant win. The result gave England a 2-0 lead in the five-match series after the opening T20I was washed out.

Coming into the England series after losing the series in Ireland, India have struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar conditions.
During the post-match press conference, head coach Gautam Gambhir echoed those concerns, admitting that India had simply not adjusted well enough.

“I think we just haven’t played well, as simple as it can get. You don’t become a bad team after four games, do you?” he said.

The India head coach also admitted: “We haven’t adapted well… if you don’t read the conditions and you don’t play to the conditions, you will end up on the losing side.”

Despite India’s batting collapse, Gambhir made it clear that the team would not abandon its attacking brand of cricket, saying:

“When you play a high-risk, high-reward game, these things can happen,” he said. “That is what has made us successful and we will try to continue to play the same way. We always believe that in a T20 game, it is all about going out there and expressing yourself.”

He also acknowledged: “The experienced guys who have played enough international cricket need to adapt and probably play according to the situation as well.”

Gambhir also dismissed suggestions that Sanju Samson had been sidelined indefinitely, saying: “There is no such thing as a hard and fast rule that he cannot make a comeback in this series. Ultimately, international cricket is about results… everyone needs to earn their place.”

Fast bowler Prince Yadav drew praise from the head coach after another impressive outing.

“He was playing his second T20I… it just shows that the boy has got a bright future, and I hope he keeps working hard and keeps getting better,” Gambhir said, highlighting Yadav’s ability to deliver in difficult phases of the innings.

If there was one takeaway from Gambhir’s press conference, it was that the defeats have prompted reflection, not panic.
With England now in control of the series, the head coach acknowledged India’s shortcomings but showed little need for change in philosophy, choosing instead to back his players through a period of transition.

With just two matches left, India need to win both remaining games to draw the series.

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