Sanju Samson's Champions Trophy 2025 spot is under massive jeopardy
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Sanju Samson is likely to miss out on India's Champions Trophy squad
- Sanju Samson did not play the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad
- Kerala Cricket Association's decision to leave out Samson has triggered a controversy
Sanju Samson's spot in the Indian squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy (CT) is in massive jeopardy after the Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain did not play the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) for Kerala. The wicket-keeper spot is among the biggest debates the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee faces before naming the Rohit Sharma-led squad for the marquee event.
Two among KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Sanju Samson are likely to be part of the Indian team for the mega event. With Rahul and Pant busy with Test cricket duties in Australia, Samson had a golden chance to make a mark in the 50-over format but his absence from India's premier List A competition could cost him a place in the side.
Samson scored a century in his last ODI appearance for India in December 2023 against South Africa but was left out of the team that toured Sri Lanka last year. While Rahul has cemented his spot as India's first-choice gloveman, there are major question marks on Pant in white-ball cricket. After scoring three tons in his last 5 T20I innings, Samson had made a strong statement to be part of the ODI squad but a spot in India's spot for the mega event now seems doubtful.
Samson's exclusion from Kerala's squad for the 2024-25 VHT left the cricket fraternity in shock as he is not just the best player from the state but also captained them in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy a few days before the 50-over tournament started.
As per a report by Onmanorama, Samson wanted to play in the tournament and told the KCA about the same. While the 30-year-old missed a preparatory camp, he had informed the state cricket governing body about his absence. While it was initially claimed that Samson was not picked in the squad because of his absence from the camp, it has now come to light that it was not mandatory. With the latest development, KCA have now reportedly claimed that they left out Samson from the squad to try out youngsters.
KCA secretary Vinod Kumar told Onmanorama that Samson wrote them two emails. This is to inform you that I'll not be available for the camp," said the first mail. "But he did not specify any reasons. And Sachin (Baby) was also unavailable due to an injury. We were missing two senior players. So we thought of trying out youngsters," said Vinod.
"But by then, the squad was finalised. It would have been unfair to sacrifice a youngster at that point," Vinod replied on the decision to leave out Samson despite him contacting KCA to confirm his availability to play the tournament.
The report also adds that Samson was shocked by the decision of the Kerala cricket governing body.
In Samson's absence, Kerala crashed out of the tournament in the group stage after winning just two out of their five matches.
The BCCI are set to announce the Indian squad for the 2025 CT later this week. Samson has a terrific record in ODI cricket with 510 runs in 16 matches (14 innings) at an average of 56.66 with one century and three half-centuries to his name.
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