Sanju Samson was not selected for the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, announced on 18th January at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. This news came as a surprise, especially after his excellent performances in T20 cricket. Despite his strong form in the T20 format, with a century in the Bangladesh T20 series and two consecutive centuries in the South Africa T20 series, Samson was not included in the squad. Many had expected him to be named due to his recent form, but his omission raised questions.

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Samson had played in the Bangladesh T20 series first, followed by the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led his home team, Kerala. After that, he participated in the South Africa T20 series. Given the tight schedule, Samson decided to rest before the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, as he felt this would allow him to perform better in the 50-over format. However, during this rest period, Kerala's state team had a camp to prepare for the Vijay Hazare Trophy season, and Samson chose not to join the camp. This decision led to his exclusion from the state team, which became a point of controversy.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary, Vinod S. Kumar, clarified the situation, stating that Samson had informed them via email that he would not be available for the camp. The team held a short camp in Wayanad without him, and naturally, only players who were part of the camp were considered for selection. This led to no further discussion with Samson on the matter.

Samson's absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy was a key issue. According to the new guidelines, players are expected to play domestic cricket if not on national duty. Samson's decision to skip the tournament did not sit well with the BCCI selectors, and reports suggested that the BCCI was unhappy with his casual approach.

BCCI Asks Samson About His Absence from Vijay Hazare

In this matter, the BCCI not only spoke to the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) but also directly engaged with Sanju Samson. According to reports, the BCCI asked Samson why he chose not to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Samson's response was that he had informed the KCA that he would not be joining the camp, as he felt the Kerala board had not required his presence. The BCCI, however, was not satisfied with this explanation.

BCCI’s Response to Samson's Explanation

The BCCI emphasized the new rules, which require players to participate in domestic cricket if they are not on national duty. They were concerned that Samson's decision to skip the camp went against the spirit of these regulations, especially considering that the Vijay Hazare Trophy was an important opportunity for him to prove himself in the 50-over format.

Samson’s Defense of His Actions

Later, in this conversation, Samson reportedly responded to the BCCI, explaining that in the past, when he had not joined the camp, the board had still selected him. He thought the same would happen this time. However, the BCCI found this response even more casual and irresponsible.

The BCCI was disappointed with Samson's casual attitude towards domestic cricket and his failure to join the Kerala camp. His actions were viewed as irresponsible, especially in light of the new rules emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket. This, in turn, led to his omission from the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025.

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The BCCI's stance is clear: they now emphasize that players should participate in domestic cricket, as it helps with their overall performance and development. Samson's failure to join the camp and his casual approach to the Vijay Hazare Trophy cost him a spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. His omission highlights the consequences of not adhering to the expectations set by the board.

Also Read: Shreyas Iyer on Prithvi Shaw: Talent Alone Won’t Work, He Needs to Focus on His Work Ethic

Samson is currently part of the T20 series against England, which began on 22nd January, and is seen as a regular opener in the T20 side. However, his exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad continues to be a major talking point.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 3 Unlucky Indian Players Who Missed Out

India’s 15 member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was announced on January 18, and while the team boosts a strong lineup, a few big names missed out on selection. These players have been in remarkable form recently and can consider themselves unlucky. Here’s a look at three such players:

1. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj’s A large number of fans didn't think Mohammed Siraj would be left out, but he was. Mister Siraj has been very good at dismissing players in cricket since 2023. Siraj got 47 players out, and only one person, Kuldeep Yadav, got more than him.He got 53 people out. But the selectors who decide who plays picked Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh to be the main fast bowlers for the important games instead of Siraj.

To swing the ball both ways and deliver in high pressure situations has been a key factor in India’s success across formats. His performances in the last two years made a strong case for inclusion, but the competition for places in the squad proved too stiff. While Siraj’s absence is a blow to his fans, it underscores the depth of India’s pace bowling resources.

ALSO READ: Watch: Coldplay's Chris Martin Gives a Shoutout to Jasprit Bumrah at Mumbai Concert

2. Karun Nair

Everyone thought Karun Nair would play in the Champions Trophy because he did very well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Before the major last event, he got an average of 752 runs, which is really good. In only seven times at bat, he made five major100's and one 50. The people choosing the players saw his doing very well and couldn't ignore him.

However, as chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained, finding a spot in a star studded Indian batting lineup is no easy task. “You look at the guys who have been picked, all average well in excess of mid 40s. Unfortunately, you can't fit everyone in a squad of 15,” Agarkar said. While Nair’s exclusion is unfortunate, it highlights the immense competition for spots in the Indian team.

3. Sanju Samson

Fans are surprised that Sanju Samson is not playing, because he's really proficient at changing his approach for different times in a match. Sanju is famous for being able to play carefully, like at the No. 3 spot, or be the best hitter at the No. 6 spot. In a game in 2023 against South Africa, he obtained 100 runs all by himself. Also he's made 510 runs in 16 of those one-day games, and that includes getting more than 50 runs three times and that one time he got 100 runs.

In T20Is, Samson’s record is equally commendable, with 810 runs in 37 matches, featuring three centuries and a fifty. Notably, two of these centuries came in a T20I series against South Africa, underlining his ability to perform in challenging conditions. Despite his stellar credentials, the selectors chose to go with other options, leaving many fans and experts questioning the decision.

Mohammed Siraj, Karun Nair, and Sanju Samson didn't get to be on the Champions Trophy team because there are so many other talented players in India. This shows that cricket in India is clearly utterly tough and difficult and full of great players. Even though it's sad they aren't playing now, they are strong and probably will come back even better. Today, we are all looking at the players who did get to go as the team gets ready for the important ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The ICC Champions Trophy is all set to make a comeback after a long gap of eight years, which is scheduled to happen from 19 February 2025 in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). As the name suggests, this tournament acts as one of those platforms where it gives an ode to the right prolific teams who are at their best form amidst the competitive and dynamic cricketing landscape. 

Unsurprisingly, all the participating eight teams would be eager to triumph and don the white blazer, a customary ritual after winning the trophy. India has always been the face of consistency and a cricket powerhouse, making it one of the strong contenders for the title. The last time the Men in Blue won the coveted Champions Trophy was way back in 2013, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. With the Indian squad being released for the clashups, here we ponder the lineup's two major strengths and weaknesses. 

India 15-man squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana (Reserve)

2 Strengths:

Well-curated and reliable spinners department

Considering that India will be clashing in the daunting and flat conditions of the Middle East in UAE, it is not a surprise that it would primarily be constituting spin-friendly tracks. Pertaining to such aspects, India has made a side with a commendable spinmeister arsenal.

With the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja, the left-hand-dominated attack has been reliable with their spin and mysterious deliveries that could hinder the momentum of the opposition batters. Overall, the first and most significant strength to take away from the Indian side would definitely be their spinners. 

Robust mid-order core

Though there have been some slight ups and downs in India's top-order batting, it has always been the middle-order of the team that has created an enormous impact in obtaining pivotal runs. KL Rahul and, along with Shreyas Iyer, who will be coming back donning the blue jersey after a considerable amount of time, will be faces of the batting attack if the initial few starting batters falter.

Rishabh Pant could play the role of initiating the power-hitting mode of their batting innings. In addition, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja's all-rounding abilities with the bat could help them get runs in the end stages of the game. 

2 Weaknesses:

Bewildering exclusions

India has always been a prominent side for having the right balance across all departments for such big and fierce tournaments, and in some cases, they have successfully obtained the desired results. But this time, the released squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy has sparked much debate among critics and fanatics regarding players who have been shockingly excluded or not even considered by the selectors' committee.

Especially in the case of Karun Nair, who has had a fantabulous Vijay Hazare Trophy stint as the captain of Vidarbha, averaging at over 750 with his willow, has got many fans disappointed in his exclusion. The squad has also neglected consistent fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, and many are surprised by this big step. Even the case of Sanju Samson is no different from the rest, and his name not being on the squad got many agitated, as he has been phenomenal in the white-ball international games with his swashbuckling approach and reliable hands behind the gloves. 

The injury woes and dilemmas

Injury for any sportsperson has always hindered a team-based sports' lineup, which could massively impact their route towards performing well in any competitive tournament. In this case, many star players of the 15-man squad are under the medical radar for detecting any probable major injuries. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have backed out of playing the Ranji Trophy, citing niggles and discomfort. In the spinners department, Kuldeep Yadav has had a long-term groin injury, where his coming back to inform abilities would be a bit time-consuming.

Jasprit Bumrah has been having a probable lousy time with the back after carrying off commendable and valiant efforts in the 2024-25 BGT. As a precautionary measure, Harshit Rana is called a reserve player if Bumrah encounters a major injury, prompting him to stay away from the ball for the ICC tournament. So, from the names mentioned above, all the players are impactful in their aspects, and their speculated injury stories could be a potential weakness for the team's upcoming intense 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for the England ODI series

No Sanju Samson in Champions Trophy Squad?

It seems that Sanju Samson probably won't be on the India cricket team for the Champions Trophy in 2025. The cricket people will probably announce the team on January 19. This makes some people ask questions why the man who bats and catches the ball might be left out. The tournament will happen again after a long time. It's in Pakistan and the UAE, and India will play in Dubai.

News says that the coaches probably want Rishabh Pant as their main man for catching. They also will have KL Rahul, but he will just hit. Pant did a first-rate job at the recent T20 World Cup that India won. His work also really helped the team win in South Africa and the West Indies. Sanju Samson didn't play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

That might have hurt his chances of being in the Champions Trophy team. Mr. Samson was part of the team that won the T20 World Cup but didn't play at all. It appears there may be a link. Reports suggest that he might be in T20 games mainly in the future. Another person, Jitesh Sharma, might train for the regular-length matches instead, next to Pant.

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🚨 NO SANJU SAMSON IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY 🚨

- Sanju Samson is unlikely to be picked in Team India's Squad for Champions Trophy 2025. (PTI). pic.twitter.com/8msODYXGPG

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) January 14, 2025

Samson's Exclusion: A Strategic Decision?

This may be their ahead plan. India will begin the competition playing against Bangladesh on February 20. Then, they'll have a strikingly large match against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai. India has been doing well lately and has many good players. Because of that, some believe that they are likely to win the Champions Trophy. I hope this piece may enlighten the reasons for these decisions.

If it turns out Samson is left out, his followers would be really unhappy. The player born in Kerala is famous for hitting hard and being calm while he's the wicketkeeper. Not picking him could start a large amount of discussions on how India picks its team. But, since Pant is doing good again and Rahul can play a lot of positions, the individuals or people in charge must feel good about their choices for the major tournament.

The Champions Trophy is probably going to be a very exciting competition with all the top teams trying to win. Now, Samson should try to make himself a solid pick for T20 games. Fans are waiting anxiously for the group of men to be named definitively.

India recently experienced a memorable T20I series win against South Africa, less than five months after India’s successful triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World 2024.

Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson jumps hugely 

The 22-year-old Tilak Varma has stunned everyone with his T20I batting ranking as he leads among the Indian T20I batting rankings. With the help of his back-to-back T20I centuries and finishing the four-match T20I series in South Africa as the leading run-scorer (280 runs), which guided him to win the Player of the Series award, Varma climbed the whooping 69 places in the T20I batting rankings. 

While Australian star Travis Head and English star Phil Salt have held their respective first and second places in the latest T20I batting rankings, Varma is in the third position in the ICC T20I batting rankings. India’s new T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has slipped one point to stay in the fourth position in the T20I batting rankings.

Sanju Samson, who recently scored three centuries in five T20I innings, including back-to-back hundreds and two centuries in South Africa, moved up 17 points to stay in 22nd place in the ICC T20I batting rankings. Samson scored 217 runs in the T20I series in South Africa and ended as the second most runs-scorer in that series. 

SEE ALSO: South African pacer handed one demerit point

Hardik Pandya returns to no.1 ranking

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya returns to the top place of the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings after jumping two places. While Nepalese cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee holds his second place in the rankings, English all-rounder Liam Livingstone slipped two spots to third position in the all-rounder rankings. 

Arshdeep and Varun shine in the T20I bowling rankings

On the other hand, English spinner Adil Rashid and Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga have held their respective first and second places in the T20I bowling rankings.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa jumped five numbers to set in third place in the T20I bowling rankings. With his outstanding bowling performances, the Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh climbed three places to secure the ninth position in the T20I bowling rankings. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi slipped to the eighth position, and Axar Patel jumped to 13th place in the T20I bowling rankings. 

On the other hand, Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who finished the South Africa tour as the leading wicket-taker in the T20I series with 12 wickets, jumped 36 places to earn the 28th position in the T20I bowling rankings. Kuldeep Yadav is just behind Chakaravarthy (29th).  

While the Indian cricketers Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma’s hammering centuries guided India to the T20I series victory against the hosts South Africa, there was a distressing moment as one fan got a hit during a sixer. The fan required medical attention.  

Johannesburg hosted the fourth and final game of the four-match T20I series between South Africa and India. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat first after winning the toss. With the help of Sanju Samson (109 not out off 56 balls) and Tilak Varma’s (120 not out off 47 balls) unbeaten centuries, India set a total of 283/1 in 20 overs. Later, South Africa were all out for 148 runs as India won the series 3-1 after winning the series finale by 135 runs. 

During the first innings, India hit 23 sixes, which was their new record sixes in a T20I innings. Samson hit six fours and nine sixes, while Varma slammed nine fours and 10 sixes. Also, the opener Abhishek Sharma scored 36 off 18 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes. 

Fan required medical attention

During that dominating batting performance, one of Samson’s over-boundary hit a female cricket fan. The ball bounced into the fan’s face. It was very hard-hitting as the fan had teary eyes. Medical attention was required for the fan as she was treated with an ice pack. 

Samson learned about that incident quickly as his facial expression was telling it. Also, by raising his hand, he was apologising to the fan.  

Watch: Fan in tears as Sanju Samson's six hits her on face

Sanju Samson met with the fan

Later, after the match, Samson reached out to the fan who had a full smile on her face. Many fans also gathered there as they were excited to meet one of the Indian heroes of the T20I series. 

During the cricket match between India and South Africa, Sanju Samson hit a six which hit a spectator on her face.

After which we got to see that Sanju Samson himself went to meet that fan in stands.#SanjuSamson #INDvSA #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/J6SWZ0Kwo2

— L U C I F E R (@VMJaat4u) November 17, 2024

Star India batter Sanju Samson delivered a stunning performance during India’s fourth T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg on November 15, smashing his second century of the series. However, his explosive innings also showed an unintended consequence when one of his huge sixes hit a fan on her face in the stands, leaving her in tears and requiring medical attention too. The fan was treated with an ice pack by the ground’s medical staff, making sure she was stabilised.

Sanju Samson made history

With his century in Johannesburg, Sanju Samson made history, becoming the first Indian male cricketer to score more than one century in a bilateral T20I series as well. He had earlier hit 107 runs in the series opener in Durban. His 51-ball century at the Wanderers Stadium was a stunning show of power-hitting and timing, captivating the packed crowd and setting the tone for a dominant Indian show as well.

Wishing a quick recovery for the injured fan! 🤕🤞

Keep watching the 4th #SAvIND T20I LIVE on #JioCinema, #Sports18 & #ColorsCineplex 👈#JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/KMtBnOa1Hj

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) November 15, 2024

SEE ALSO: 'Gautam Gambhir is already frightened' - Ricky Ponting takes a fresh jibe ahead of BGT

Tilak Varma smashed a ton

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson wasn’t the only Indian batter who smashed a ton. Young batter Tilak Verma also continued his remarkable form, scoring his second consecutive hundred in the series. The left-hander’s heroics, combined with Sanju Samson’s blistering knock, resulted in a record-breaking 210-run partnership for the third wicket as well. Moreover, they helped India post an imposing 283, their highest-ever T20I total on South African soil as well.

Indian batters Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma powerfully thrashed the South African bowlers to set up the fifth-highest total in T20I history. 

After Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to bat first at Johannesburg, powerful Indian top orders drove the team to 283/1 in 20 overs. 

Indian openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set up a dominant 73-run first-wicket partnership inside the powerplay. Sharma was caught behind just one ball before the powerplay completion after scoring 36 off 18 balls with the help of two fours and four sixes. 

Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma scored centuries

Then Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma’s powerful batting performances just destroyed the Proteas bowlers. Although there were some opportunities, South African fielders dropped those chances to only add to their disappointment. Their batting helped India score 283/1, which was India’s second-highest total and overall the fifth-highest total in T20I history. India’s highest T20I total is 297/6 against Bangladesh at Hyderabad last October. 

Sanju Samson completed his third T20I century in 51 balls. After Rohit Sharma (5 centuries) and Suryakumar Yadav (4 centuries), Samson became the third Indian to record three T20I centuries. Samson remained not out for 109 runs in 56 balls with the help of six fours and nine sixes. 

On the other hand, Tilak Varma reached the century mark in 41 balls. It was his back-to-back T20I century. After Sanju Samson, Varma became the second Indian to record T20I centuries in two consecutive innings. Also, Varma became the fifth Indian to record multiple T20I hundreds. Varma scored 120 not out off just 47 balls with the help of nine fours and ten sixes. 

Samson-Varma had a record partnership in Indian cricket

Samson and Varma had a 210-run partnership for the unbroken second wicket. While it was the first 200-run partnership for India and the second wicket in T20I history, it was also the sixth-highest T20I partnership for any wicket. 

India hit their record number of sixes

Meanwhile, India hit 23 sixes in the innings. While it was their record sixes in a T20I innings, it was also the joint third most sixes in overall T20I innings history.

After Indian cricketer Sanju Samson recently shone with his powerful batting, a social media video went viral where his father blamed the former Indian captains for Samson’s disappointing international career.  

The 30-year-old Indian cricketer Sanju Samson recently created history by recording T20I centuries in back-to-back innings. After scoring 111 runs against Bangladesh in the Hyderabad T20I, the right-handed batter scored 107 runs against South Africa at Durban. He became the first Indian cricketer to record T20I hundreds in consecutive innings. 

After making his international cricket debut in 2015, Samson has played 16 ODIs and 35 T20Is. Although he made his T20I debut during India's tour of Zimbabwe in 2015, he made his ODI debut in 2021. The right-handed batter has scored 701 runs in 35 T20Is with an average of 25.03 and a strike rate of 151.07, including two centuries and two half-centuries.

However, before the Zimbabwe tour last July, Samson had a T20I average of 18.70 by scoring 374 runs in 22 innings, including one half-century. 

On the other hand, Samson has scored 510 runs in 16 ODIs with an impressive average of 56.66, including one century and two half-centuries. 

SEE ALSO: Reece Topley fined for smashing chair after first T20I injury

There are 3-4 people who wasted 10 years of my son's vital career

In the recent viral video, Samson’s father blamed the former Indian captains MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma (former T20I captain) along with the former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid. 

Samson’s father said, "There are 3-4 people who wasted 10 years of my son's vital career captains like Dhoni ji, Virat ji, Rohit ji and coach Dravid ji. These four people destroyed 10 years of my son's life but the more they hurt him, the stronger Sanju came out of the crisis."

I credit my son's century to both of them: Sanju Samson

On the other hand, Samson’s father thanked the present Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. He credited them for Samson’s back-to-back T20I centuries. 

He added, "I am very happy, and I want to thank Gautam Gambhir bhai and Suryakumar bhai. If these two people did not come at this time during Sanju's career, they would have dropped him from the team like in the past. So, I credit my son's century to both of them."

Sanju samson father accused Dhoni,Rohit and Kohli for not picking his son in the team when he was averaging 28 in list A,35 in FC, and 27 in ipl until 2020

Sanju's PR wants to hide this video from youpic.twitter.com/sYaQKoU9gu

— π (@shinzohattori5) November 12, 2024

After creating history by scoring centuries in back-to-back T20I innings, Sanju Samson set up a new record in Indian cricket but not on a memorable side.

Gqeberha is hosting the second game of the four-match T20I series between South Africa and India. Trailing by 1-0, the hosts South African captain Aiden Markram chose to field first.

Unlike the Durban pitch, Gqeberha favoured the South African fast bowlers as they restricted the dangerous Indian batters in their dominant style. 

Samson scored the fourth T20I duck in 2024

Opener Sanju Samson, who became the first Indian cricketer to record T20I hundreds in consecutive innings, scored a three-ball duck as Marco Jansen bowled him. It was his fifth duck in his T20I career and fourth T20I duck in 2024.

With his latest T20I duck, Samson created a record for most T20I ducks by an Indian batter in a calendar year.

Indian cricketers with the T20I most ducks in a calendar year

Meanwhile, with his fifth T20I duck, Samson reached the joint third position in the list of most T20I ducks by an Indian batter. 

Indian cricketers with the most T20I ducks

Samson equalled Pant's record

Also, it was Samson’s fourth T20I duck as a designated wicketkeeper-batter, which equalled Rishabh Pant’s record (four T20I ducks) for most T20I ducks by a wicketkeeper-batter. 

Coming back to the Gqeberha T20I, India lost the top three batters in the first four overs. Struggling from 15/3, the middle-order batters fought hard to guide the team to the respective total of 124 runs. Tilak Varma (20), Axar Patel (27), and Hardik Pandya (39 not out) fought hard to secure a challenging total.