Amid selection storm for Champions Trophy, Sanju Samson finds his tune
Dubai: When Sanju Samson isn’t in the headlines for his brilliance with the bat, it’s often for the storm swirling around him. This time, it’s a perfect mix of missed opportunities, family outrage, and selection debates that have placed the talented cricketer squarely in the spotlight..The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, known for his elegance and composure on the field, finds himself at the centre of controversy after being omitted from India’s Champions Trophy squad. Despite a stellar run of form, including three centuries in five matches across varied conditions, Samson’s exclusion has sparked debates among fans and experts alike..Selection woes: A tale as old as cricket.Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly advocated for Samson’s inclusion, while skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar favoured Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul as the two wicketkeeper-batters for the eight-team championship, which will be held in a hybrid model across Dubai and Pakistan..Selection debates are not new, and history is rife with such controversies. Karun Nair, who scored five centuries in seven games during the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy, also failed to secure a spot despite the Indian cricket board emphasising the importance of domestic league performance..However, the events following the team announcement have placed an even brighter spotlight on Samson..The missed camp and its fallout.Samson’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy seems to have played a role in his exclusion from the Indian team. He informed Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) head Jayesh George via a one-line text that he would be unavailable for the camp. .Video: Sreesanth’s Dubai reunion with Sanju Samson – A moment of fun and friendship.Samson was seen in a heartwarming reunion with former Indian pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth during a visit to Dubai in December, which almost coincided with the camp dates. Subsequently, he was not selected for the state team, a decision that appears to have counted against him..Father’s outburst adds to the drama.Samson’s father, Viswanath, has reignited the controversy, accusing certain officials in the Kerala Cricket Association of working against his son’s interests..“There are people within KCA who have something against my child. We’ve never spoken out against the association before, but this time, it’s become too much. Sanju isn’t the only one who didn’t attend the camp, yet other players in the same situation were allowed to play,” Viswanath Samson said, as quoted by Mathrubhumi English..Sanju Samson: A roller-coaster journey in Indian cricket.Viswanath had in the past accused Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid for wasting his son’s career for 10 years..“It’s not about Jayesh George (KCA president) or Vinod S Kumar (Board Secretary); it’s some small people in between who turn everything into poison over trivial matters. We are sportsmen, not interested in the business of sports. All I want is for my son to be given a fair chance to play. If there’s any mistake, we’re open to discussion and ready to fix it,” he added..Support from Suryakumar Yadav.Amid the chaos, India’s Twenty20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has thrown his weight behind Samson on the eve of the first T20 against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata..“Currently, there is no question mark on the wicketkeeper. Sanju has done really well in the last 7-8, maybe 10, games he’s played, and he has truly shown what he is capable of,” said Surya during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday..Samson’s resilience amid the noise.Despite the ongoing controversy, Samson appears unfazed. He recently posted a video of himself singing with assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. The duo performed the Bollywood classic Pehla Nasha from the 1991 film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (The One Who Wins is the King)..As the dust settles on this controversy, Samson’s focus seems unshaken, his spirit undeterred. Whether through his bat or his song, the Kerala star is determined to make his voice heard — not in words, but in runs. For now, all eyes are on the field, where Samson has the chance to remind the selectors what they might have overlooked.
Source: A.k.s. Satish