Sanju Samson, one of India’s promising cricket talents, has found himself at the center of a heated debate after being excluded from Kerala’s Ranji Trophy squad, just weeks after missing out on India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 team. The decision has left fans and cricket pundits questioning the fairness of selection policies.
Samson’s omission from Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad in December 2024 had already raised eyebrows. The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) cited his unavailability for a mandatory preparatory camp as the reason for his exclusion, reiterating that only players attending the camp were eligible for selection.
This decision has also drawn the attention of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which places significant importance on domestic cricket participation for national team selection. Reports suggest that the BCCI is investigating Samson’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy as it directly impacted his chances for the Champions Trophy squad.
Fans, however, are rallying behind Samson, pointing to his impressive form, including a century against South Africa in December 2023. Many have accused the BCCI of favoritism and questioned inconsistencies in the selection process, fueling widespread criticism on social media.
The KCA, meanwhile, remains firm in its stance, emphasizing the need for discipline and team cohesion by prioritizing players who adhere to their selection protocols.
This chain of events has reignited discussions about the importance of domestic cricket, the role of preparatory camps, and transparency in selection processes. As Samson remains sidelined, his supporters continue to voice their dissatisfaction, keeping the spotlight firmly on cricket administration in India.
