Sanju Samson has not been picked for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which begins on July 23 in Harare. The decision has stunned Indian fans, especially since Samson was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
The wicketkeeper-batter had been in sublime touch during the World Cup, scoring 321 runs in five games at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. He struck three half-centuries, each in high-pressure, do-or-die situations. His unbeaten 97 off 50 balls in a virtual quarterfinal against West Indies at Eden Gardens set up India’s chase of 196.
Also read: What’s the secret to Australia’s champion DNA and T20 World Cup success
He followed it with a blistering 89 off 42 balls in the semifinal against England, which India won by just seven runs. In the final against New Zealand, Samson’s 89 off 46 balls proved decisive as India defended their crown. However, Samson’s form dipped after the IPL when India returned to bilateral T20Is.
He managed scores of 5 and 0 against Ireland, followed by just 1 in the opener against England.In the second T20I at Old Trafford, he was replaced by teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a move that raised eyebrows given earlier statements from batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate that Sooryavanshi would have to wait his turn, and that they didn’t want to be unfair to anyone who had done nothing wrong.
This sudden U-turn left many wondering: has Samson been dropped or simply rested for the Zimbabwe series?
Has Samson been rested or dropped for India’s tour of Zimbabwe?
- Other absentees: Samson is not the only notable omission. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, both part of the ongoing England series and performing well, are also missing. Their exclusion suggests rotation rather than axing.
- Asian Games inclusion: Samson remains part of India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games. If selectors had lost faith in him, he wouldn’t have been named for such a marquee event.
India’s Squad for Zimbabwe
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Rinku Singh, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakaravarathy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav, Prabhsimran Singh (WK).
