Sanju Samson‘s omission from India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the team’s selection, with several former internationals questioning whether the decision is consistent with the fearless brand of cricket India have encouraged in recent months.
The wicketkeeper-batter was left out after scores of 5, 0 and 1 in his last three T20I innings, with teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi taking his place before also being named in the Zimbabwe squad. However, Samson’s recent returns came after an extended run in which he had established himself as one of India’s most influential T20 batters.
His breakthrough came during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, where he returned to the XI midway through the tournament and was entrusted with playing an attacking role at the top of the order. Samson responded with an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in India’s final Super Eight fixture before scoring 89 against England in the semifinal and another 89 against New Zealand in the final, earning the Player of the Tournament award after finishing with 321 runs in five innings.
That aggressive approach continued during IPL 2026, where he scored 477 runs in 14 matches for Chennai Super Kings at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 165.62, including two centuries and one half-century, making his omission after three low scores a decision that has drawn criticism from several former players.
Ashwin questions the selection call
Former India Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was among those who felt Samson had earned greater backing, while making it clear that his criticism was not aimed at Sooryavanshi’s selection.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said: “Sanju played a brilliant knock in the T20 World Cup. After that, he smashed it for CSK in the IPL this year. I haven’t seen him this consistent before. He was in great phase so I felt this was a bit harsh. I have been saying this for a long time. It’s not about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. I don’t know when we will understand this. I am a big fan of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He will play and no one can stop him. What’s the hurry?”
India’s recent T20 success has been built around encouraging batters to play with freedom and attack from the outset, accepting that an aggressive approach will inevitably produce occasional failures. Former players have argued that removing Samson after only three low scores risks creating uncertainty among others trying to fulfil the same role.
Ashwin added: “Two players who are doing well in the team ethos. If we show a lack of confidence like that, all the other players in the team will think that they are next. If they know they are the next, why will they play at a higher strike rate? They will knock them out. If they have to score 50 in 25 balls, they will score in 32 balls. The eventual loser will be Team India.”
Communication and dressing-room confidence
The debate has also centred on how difficult selection decisions are communicated. With Sooryavanshi widely regarded as one of India’s brightest young talents, several former players have stressed that introducing him and backing established performers do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Speaking to Vimal Kumar, Ashwin said: “The team environment concerns me a bit. Does Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have the talent to play? He does for sure. Let me put it this way. There are 4 or five children in a house; there will be favourites for sure. The youngest gets massive attention, but other kids tend to feel the parents aren’t giving the same attention.”
Ashwin believed greater clarity from the management could have eased the situation for players competing for places.
“Yes, if it were me, I would have made sure the message was communicated well. Be it Sanju or Abhishek, I would have told them that I wanted to play Vaibhav for this game. Would have gone to them and said that this boy is putting pressure on us to be picked. You both have done well in the World Cup, and we will give you a long rope ahead.”
He also argued that confidence and security are central to maintaining India’s attacking philosophy, pointing to previous selection decisions as another example.
“Even in Suryakumar Yadav’s case, I had said the same thing: removing him as captain was the right call, but you didn’t have to drop him from the team. Everyone needs a long rope and clarity. What is the direction? That worries me. What will Samson be thinking? And one wonders if he will have the same motivation to practice in the nets.”
India’s squad balance has also become part of the discussion following Samson’s omission, particularly with several left-handed batters already in the side and increasing competition for batting positions.
Ashwin concluded: “There are three left-handed batters in the side. That means that Samson will not get a chance to bat at number three. Gautam Gambhir and the team management also know that what happened to (Samson) wasn’t right and has to be rectified. This is not great for the team. If both SKY and Samson are dropped, other players will fear for their spots and think we are next, and that feeling isn’t great to have.”
Ramesh praises Samson’s selfless World Cup role
Former India Opener Sadagoppan Ramesh also questioned the selectors’ approach, arguing that Samson’s contribution to India’s World Cup triumph should have earned him greater patience after a brief dip in form.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramesh said: “This Agarkar, who dropped Samson, is in an extension period himself. His contract was to end in June but the T20 World Cup triumph helped extend his time. And it was Sanju, who played a major role behind that victory. So Sanju Samson is the reason Agarkar is even a selector in this extended period now. It is extremely harsh treatment to drop someone three matches after he was the Player of the Tournament in a World Cup.”
Throughout the knockout stages, Samson consistently prioritised accelerating India’s scoring rather than batting for individual landmarks, an approach that many viewed as reflecting the team’s aggressive philosophy.
Ramesh added: “In the semifinal and final, he had the opportunity to complete his century. But without thinking selfishly for personal milestones, he played for the team and got out. Such team-players should be the first ones backed.”
He also argued that India’s batting struggles had not been limited to one individual, making it difficult to justify singling Samson out after only three innings.
Rahane hopes Samson returns soon
Former India Captain Ajinkya Rahane also voiced his support following the squad announcement, expressing hope that the decision had been communicated clearly.
Writing on Instagram, Rahane said: “Hope there has been some communication with @imsanjusamson.Find it odd that the hero of our recent T20 WC win has been left out of the T20 squad to Zimbabwe. Hope to see him back in the team soon.”
Although Samson has been omitted from the Zimbabwe series, he remains part of India’s squad for the upcoming Asian Games, where he will have another opportunity to press his case for a return to the regular T20I setup.
