Sanju Samson was not picked in Team India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The national selection panel went with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for the tournament. Samson played his last ODI against South Africa in 2023. Samson was dropped from the format after Pant returned to the side following his recovery from a fatal car accident.
The Kerala batter averages over 56 in 16 one-day internationals so far, and former India spinner Harbhajan Singh is baffled by his snub for the global tournament. In a chat with Switch, Harbhajan stated that Samson deserves to play in the Champions Trophy.
“He was dropped despite scoring runs. I feel bad for him. I know the selectors can pick only 15 but his batting suits the fifty-over format. He is averaging 55-56, but isn’t even there as a second choice wicketkeeper. We have to make places for such players,” he said.
Harbhajan also spoke about Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been completely forgotten by the selectors. “Sanju hasn’t been given a chance. Yuzvendra Chahal isn’t there. You’ve picked four spinners, with left-armers making the cut. You could have gone with a leg-spinner. Chahal is a superb bowler but I don’t understand why he doesn’t find a place in the Indian team,” he added.
Related