The chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, recently announced India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, and his comments raised concerns among Sanju Samson’s supporters. Agarkar’s remarks suggest Samson’s position in India’s T20I side may be jeopardized.
Agarkar stated that Samson was included in the team due to the unavailability of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He also mentioned that Abhishek Sharma’s performance made it difficult to exclude him, along with the added advantage of his bowling. Furthermore, Agarkar pointed out that Shubman Gill was the vice-captain in the last T20Is with a full squad. The selectors have now reinstated Shubman Gill as vice-captain, who is widely seen as the successor to Virat Kohli.
Gill’s talent is undeniable, with impressive runs and a high strike rate in the IPL. He is viewed as the future of Indian cricket. The message from the selectors is clear: Gill will play and open the batting.
Over the past year, Samson has built a strong record in T20 internationals, with impressive stats since the T20 World Cup 2024. However, this hasn’t guaranteed him a permanent spot in the team.
Samson’s career has been marked by changing expectations. Initially, he was criticized for inconsistency, but he proved his critics wrong with his performance. Now, the focus has shifted to long-term planning, captains across formats, and leadership succession.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that with Gill’s return, Samson’s place in the playing XI is uncertain. With the likely inclusion of Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and Jitesh Sharma, Samson might have to sit out. Gill’s position as vice-captain ensures his opening role, which could push Samson out of the team.
For Kerala, Samson is more than just a cricketer; he is a symbol of hope. His selection or omission sparks debates about representation and opportunity within Indian cricket. The selectors’ decision has once again pushed him to the fringes, where chances may arise through injuries or rest for senior players.
The selection criteria now extend beyond Samson, raising questions about how a player’s place in the Indian team is determined. Is it based on consistent performance, role definition, or long-term vision? While Gautam Gambhir has praised Samson, the question remains why he hasn’t received a consistent run despite his impressive numbers.
For Samson and his fans, the situation is disheartening, highlighting that talent alone may not be enough when the system appears to have a different vision. As the Asia Cup unfolds, Kerala’s cricket fans will be watching with hope, wondering if their star player will ever get the recognition he deserves.