Sanju Samson punished for not playing domestic cricket, Rohit-Agarkar excluded him from Champions Trophy, World Cup 2023 villain enters

Komal Kasare
12 Min Read
  • The 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 has been announced and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson has been dropped from the 15. In his place, the villain of the ODI World Cup 2023 has been included in the team…

Sanju Samson: Sanju Samson has been ignored from the Champions Trophy 2025. He was not selected for the ICC event due to not playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, due to which Indian selector Ajit Agarkar has shown Sanju the way out. In his place, the chief selector has included the villain of the ODI World Cup 2023 in the 15-member team. Who is this player, let’s know..?

Sanju Samson got punishment for not playing domestic cricket

Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson got punishment for not playing domestic cricket

Sanju Samson Before the start of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25, the Kerala Association had organized a camp in which he was not included. After this, the selectors decided to exclude him from this tournament. After this, there was news that Sanju himself had informed that he would not be available for Vijay Hazare. But, no information was revealed about the reason behind this.

This decision of Sanju proved costly for him and Ajit Agarkar has shown him the way out of the Champions Trophy 2025. In his place, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have been included in the 15 as the main wicketkeepers. Let us tell you that Pant was injured in the last ODI World Cup, so he did not play. Then Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul played in his place.

KL Rahul was selected

KL Rahul played as the main wicketkeeper. Ishan was at number two. At that time also Sanju Samson was dropped. At the same time, Rahul was said to be the biggest reason for India’s defeat in the ODI World Cup. Because he played a very slow innings in the final match. He scored 65 runs in 111 balls, due to which India had to face defeat. Now once again Rahul has made a place.

Sanju’s recent form is good

If we look at the statistics of Sanju Samson and KL Rahul in ODIs, then Rahul will win. Because his performance is very good. But if we look at the recent form, then Sanju has performed well. He has recently scored three centuries in T20.

If we look at his overall performance, he has played 16 ODIs and 37 T20 matches. If we look at his performance in these matches, he has scored a total of 512 runs in 16 ODIs at an average of 56. Whereas in 37 T20 matches, he has scored 810 runs at an average of 27. He has scored 4 centuries in these matches.

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has once again found himself at the center of controversy. This time, the issue stems from his exclusion from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad—a decision reportedly made due to his failure to prioritize domestic cricket. Captain Rohit Sharma and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar are believed to have played key roles in this bold move, sending a strong message about the importance of consistent performance and commitment to the game.

Adding to the drama, a player infamously labeled the “villain” of the 2023 World Cup has been included in the squad, reigniting debates among fans and experts. Here’s a detailed look at the events that led to this development, its implications for Indian cricket, and the road ahead for Samson and Team India.


Why Was Sanju Samson Dropped?

Sanju Samson has often been a topic of debate in Indian cricket circles. Despite his undeniable talent, questions about his consistency and commitment to domestic cricket have plagued his career. The latest decision to exclude him from the Champions Trophy squad stems from these concerns.

Skipping Domestic Cricket

One of the primary reasons cited for Samson’s exclusion is his reluctance to play domestic cricket. The BCCI has long emphasized the importance of domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy as breeding grounds for talent and platforms for players to prove their form.

Reports suggest that Samson opted out of key domestic matches, citing personal reasons. This decision did not sit well with the selectors, who view domestic cricket as a crucial stepping stone for national selection.

Inconsistent Performances

While Samson has delivered some remarkable performances in the IPL, his inconsistency at the international level has raised eyebrows. With younger players like Ishan Kishan and Rishabh Pant stepping up, the competition for a spot in the team has become fiercer than ever.

A Strong Message from Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar

Captain Rohit Sharma and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar are known for their pragmatic approach to team selection. By excluding Samson, they have sent a clear message that talent alone is not enough—players must demonstrate commitment, discipline, and a willingness to grind through the domestic circuit.


The Return of the 2023 World Cup Villain

In a surprising twist, a player who was heavily criticized for his underwhelming performances in the 2023 World Cup has made his way back into the squad. While the name of this player remains undisclosed, sources suggest that the individual has been working hard to regain form and fitness.

Why Was He Included?

  1. Redemption Arc:
    The selectors believe in giving players a second chance. This inclusion could be an opportunity for the player to redeem themselves and prove their worth on the international stage.
  2. Impressive Domestic Performances:
    Unlike Samson, this player has reportedly performed well in domestic cricket, earning the selectors’ trust and a place in the Champions Trophy squad.
  3. Team Balance:
    The player’s experience and skill set may have been deemed essential for the team’s overall balance and strategy.

Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions

The exclusion of Sanju Samson and the inclusion of the 2023 World Cup villain have sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Here’s a glimpse into the public sentiment:

Support for Samson

Many fans have expressed their disappointment over Samson’s exclusion, arguing that his IPL performances should have been enough to secure his place in the squad. Social media platforms are abuzz with hashtags like #JusticeForSanju, with fans questioning the selectors’ decision-making process.

Criticism of the 2023 World Cup Villain

The inclusion of the “villain” from the 2023 World Cup has also drawn criticism. Fans have not forgotten the player’s lackluster performances and are skeptical about their ability to deliver in a high-pressure tournament like the Champions Trophy.

Support for the BCCI’s Tough Stance

On the other hand, many cricket enthusiasts and former players have praised the BCCI’s tough stance on discipline and commitment. They believe that Samson’s exclusion serves as a wake-up call for all players to prioritize domestic cricket and consistency.


Implications for Indian Cricket

The decision to drop Samson and include a controversial player has far-reaching implications for Indian cricket. Here are some key takeaways:

Reinforcing the Importance of Domestic Cricket

By sidelining Samson, the BCCI has reinforced the significance of domestic cricket as a pathway to national selection. This move could encourage other players to take domestic tournaments more seriously, ultimately strengthening the overall talent pool.

Raising Questions About Selection Policies

The inclusion of the 2023 World Cup villain has raised questions about the consistency and transparency of the selection process. Critics argue that the BCCI should provide a clearer rationale for such decisions to avoid unnecessary controversies.

Pressure on the Selected Squad

With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, the selected players will face immense pressure to justify their inclusion. Every performance will be scrutinized, especially for those who have faced criticism in the past.


What’s Next for Sanju Samson?

For Samson, this exclusion could be a turning point in his career. While the decision is undoubtedly a setback, it also presents an opportunity for him to regroup and work on his game.

Focus on Domestic Cricket

Samson must prioritize domestic cricket and deliver consistent performances to regain the selectors’ trust. A strong showing in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy or IPL could pave the way for his comeback.

Addressing Criticism

Acknowledging and addressing the criticism leveled against him could help Samson rebuild his image. Engaging with fans and showcasing his commitment to the game might go a long way in winning back their support.

Staying Positive

Despite the setback, Samson must stay positive and focus on the bigger picture. Many players have bounced back from similar situations to achieve great success, and Samson has the talent to do the same.


Conclusion

The exclusion of Sanju Samson from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad has sparked intense debate and highlighted the challenges of balancing talent, commitment, and discipline in professional cricket. While fans may be divided over the decision, it underscores the BCCI’s determination to uphold the highest standards in Indian cricket.

For Samson, this is a moment of reflection and an opportunity to prove his mettle. As for the Indian team, the focus now shifts to preparing for the Champions Trophy and delivering a performance that lives up to the nation’s expectations. Only time will tell if these bold decisions will pay off on the field.

Also Read: This superstar was punished for breaking BCCI rules, suddenly dropped from Champions Trophy

Share This Article
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *