Despite his spectacular T20I type, Samson was ignored in favor of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeping choices
Sanju Samson’s exclusion from India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked heated discussions. Despite his spectacular T20I type, Samson was ignored in favor of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as wicketkeeping choices.
The choice comes amid controversy over Samson’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president Jayesh George revealed that Samson skipped the event’s preparatory camp, sending solely a short message to tell the affiliation. “We expected him to lead the team, but he chose not to attend the camp. Later, he messaged saying he was available for selection, but KCA has policies that must be respected,” George stated.
George additionally criticised Samson for displaying a scarcity of dedication to Kerala cricket. “Sanju doesn’t need a camp to make the team, but is Kerala a team he can represent only when it suits him? He reached the Indian team through the KCA, but that doesn’t mean he can ignore state commitments,” he added.
Meanwhile, India’s Champions Trophy squad boasts a powerful lineup, together with the potential return of Jasprit Bumrah, topic to health. Harshit Rana has been named as a backup. Bumrah, if match, will be part of Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh to type a formidable tempo assault.
The squad, which may also play a three-match ODI collection towards England in February, raised additional questions with the omission of Karun Nair. Despite scoring a record-breaking 752 runs within the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Nair was ignored, with chief selector Ajit Agarkar citing a desire for gamers with constant nationwide group appearances.
