Champions Trophy 2025: Shashi Tharoor slams KCA after Sanju Samson was left out of India’s squad.
Sanju SamsonS Not leaving India’s 15-man squad b 2025 winner cup It sparked a huge debate in the cricketing community. Despite being in an emotional state, he scored three centuries in his last five T20I innings and scored a ton in his recent ODI campaign. south africa In December 2024, Samson found himself ignored by the voters.
Shashi Tharoor criticizes KCA’s mismanagement
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP, publicly criticized Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) for mishandling Samson’s case, accusing their obstinate policy of isolating him. Samson has already informed KCA that he will not be available for the preparation camp before the team selection. However, the KCA implemented the rule that the players must attend these camps and Samson was excluded from the team. Tharoor pointed out that Samson’s absence from the team was mainly due to his absence from the team Vijay Hazare Cup 2024Where Kerala fell short of reaching the quarter finals.
“Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson’s apology – the player had already written to the KCA regretting not being able to attend the training camp between the SMA and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments and was immediately dropped from the team – has now resulted in Sanju’s exclusion from the Indian team. Tharoor wrote on social media
Tharoor highlighted how KCA’s short-sighted and rigid approach has now led to the downfall of Kerala cricket and excluded Samson from major ODI competition. Tharoor raised related questions, asking the KCA whether it was fair for a player of Samson’s caliber to be penalized with administrative disparity.
“His batting career, who scored 212* in Hazare, averaged 56.66 in ODIs for India (including a century against South Africa on the last tour), is being lost in the arrogance of cricket managers. Doesn’t it bother the KCA bosses that Sanju’s exit will ensure Kerala reach the Hazare quarter-finals? And where does this leave him? Tharoor ended his speech.
Apologies to the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson – the player had already written to the KCA, regretting not being able to attend the training camp between the SMA and Vijay Hazare Cup tournaments and was immediately dropped from the team – now with consequences. in…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 18, 2025
Also Read: Ajit Agarkar Explains Why Mohammad Siraj Was Not Selected For 2025 Champions Trophy
Sanju Samson’s recent form and achievements
Samson, who has been leading the team in various domestic competitions, has been in incredible form lately. led in Kerala Syed Mushtaq Ali Cup 2024Although the team won four out of six matches, they narrowly failed to make it to the finals. Samson also scored two centuries during India’s T20I tour of South Africa in November 2024, marking his shortest form.
His consistent performances in ODIs and T20Is kept him on the selectors’ radar, but his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy ultimately cost him a chance to join the squad for the Champions Trophy. Despite his impressive record, including a century against South Africa in the last ODI and his impressive performances in domestic tournaments, the management has opted to replace Samson with T20 World Cup 2024 standout Rishabh Pant.
Samson’s future with the Indian team
While Samson is still part of the Indian T20I team Five matches against EnglandHis absence from the Champions Trophy in Kolkata since January 22 highlights the precarious position he finds himself in. Absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy has now become a crucial factor in his exclusion and his fate in future ODIs will be uncertain unless it is KCA’s. It solves the situation and gives it a fair chance to perform.
