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BCCI to probe Sanju Samson’s omission from Vijay Hazare Trophy before announcing India’s Champions Trophy squad

BCCI to probe Sanju Samson’s omission from Vijay Hazare Trophy before announcing India’s Champions Trophy squad

Samson had missed Kerala's preparatory camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, following which he wasn't selected for the tournament.

Sanju Samson may suffer dearly. Before announcing the squad for the India vs. England ODI series and the ICC Champions Trophy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will convene on Samson’s no-show in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25. The wicketkeeper batter didn’t feature in any of Kerala’s matches in the domestic List A tournament despite a crucial white-ball leg in international cricket coming up.

BCCI unhappy with Sanju Samson?

The BCCI isn’t pleased that one of the squad contenders let the opportunity of playing 50-over cricket go just before the ICC Champions Trophy. For the unaware, Samson wasn’t available to attend Kerala’s preparation camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He informed the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) about it. Following this, Samson wasn’t included in Kerala’s squad.

“The selectors and the board have been very clear on the importance of domestic cricket. Last year, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer lost central contracts for missing domestic matches without seeking permission. Even in Samson’s case, the board and selectors were not given any reason why he missed the tournament. All that is known so far is that he spends much of his time in Dubai,” BCCI sources told the Times of India.

Something wrong between Samson & KCA?

It’s uncertain why Samson wasn’t available for the camp, but during the same time, he did travel to Dubai for reasons unknown. Whether he was injured or there is another issue between him and the KCA, no one’s uncertain. But BCCI top brass aren’t happy that Samson didn’t feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and that could cost him a spot in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

“The selectors would want a valid reason. Otherwise, it will be difficult to consider him for the ODI season. Samson has had a bitter history with the KCA, but that needs to be sorted out for him to play in domestic cricket. It can’t be that the state association and him have a misunderstanding, and he misses out on game time. He did play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy preceding the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” the source added.

Samson fights Pant & KL Rahul for ICC Champions Trophy spot

KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are expected to be the main wicketkeepers in the squad. But in the pecking order, Samson might be the next. He might be fighting with Dhruv Jurel, but given his white-ball form and experience, he might be given a slight advantage. Samson could make the main squad for the India vs. England ODIs but might just be taken as a travelling reserve for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Of course, this was before the BCCI decided to probe him for missing the VHT. Now, it’ll all depend on who’s found at fault. If Samson is the one to blame, he might be punished by the BCCI, like they did with Ishan Kishan or Shreyas Iyer. But if the KCA faces the brunt, he might still have a chance.

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