The controversy surrounding Sanju Samson’s omission from India’s ICC Champions Trophy squad has deepened, with Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) President Jayesh George openly slamming the star batter. Samson’s decision to skip Kerala’s preparatory camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) is now being viewed as a potential turning point in his exclusion from the Indian team for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Ajit Agarkar and Rohit Sharma have went head with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul as the two keepers.
But was it really the ‘Rishabh Pant effect’ or did Samson make a mistake by not featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT)? Was it really his mistake or did the miscommunication between the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and him prove costly?
The Vijay Hazare Trophy Fallout
A critical factor in Samson’s exclusion appears to be his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), where domestic performances often influence national selections. Samson reportedly informed the KCA in advance of his unavailability for the preparatory camp, but the association decided against including him in the squad. This decision sidelined one of Kerala’s most talented players and likely hurt Samson’s chances of securing a Champions Trophy spot. Kerala’s poor performance in the VHT only deepened the debate, as the team finished fifth in their group and failed to make the quarterfinals. BCCI is reportedly looking to dive deep into this matter of miscommunication.
“Sanju had sent an email stating that he would not be available for the camp. The team had a short camp in Wayanad without him. Naturally, we only considered those who were part of the sessions for selection. There has been no further discussion with him on the matter,” KCA secretary Vinod S Kumar had told The Indian Express on December 18. However, later Samson announced his availability. “Sanju has updated us that he is available for selection over the last two days. We are yet to take a call on his inclusion. There is a full contingent already there in Hyderabad and only two games have been played,” Kumar told The Indian Express on December 26.
“Sanju Samson can’t turn up whenever he likes”
KCA President George did not hold back when addressing the issue. “Sanju informed us via a one-line text that he wouldn’t be available for the camp. Everyone, including the selectors, assumed he’d lead the team after captaining in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. But he pulled out at the last minute and then later said he was available after we’d already announced the squad,” George told MediaOne. He questioned whether Samson was treating Kerala’s team as a fallback option, adding, “Sanju doesn’t need a camp to make the team, but is the Kerala team something he can join whenever it suits him?”
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National repercussions of a local decision
The fallout from this decision appears to have impacted Samson’s chances on the national stage. Domestic tournaments like the VHT are crucial platforms for players to prove their form, especially ahead of high-profile selections. While Samson’s absence from the tournament wasn’t due to disciplinary action, KCA’s decision to exclude him from the squad may have left an impression on the BCCI selectors.
George revealed that he was contacted by BCCI COO Hemang Amin, who sought clarification on whether Samson faced any disciplinary issues. While George confirmed there were none, the optics of Samson skipping the tournament have undoubtedly hurt his prospects. This public criticism has put Samson in an uncomfortable spotlight. While his supporters argue that his talent and international track record should speak for themselves, others insist that no player, regardless of their ability, should disregard team commitments. The KCA’s stance is clear: policies and processes must be respected.
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