Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has been left out of the South Zone team for the Duleep Trophy 2025, with the Chairman of Selectors stating that the squad was picked purely based on domestic red-ball performances.
The 30-year-old’s uncertain run in 2025 began with his decision to opt out of the Ranji Trophy season, informing the board of his unavailability due to white-ball commitments despite being requested to play. He was suspended from the Kerala domestic team as a result of this decision.
Tough Year for Sanju Samson
Sanju only played in three Twenty20 Internationals against England before being sidelined due to a thumb injury, which also prevented him from being selected for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Samson's participation in IPL 2025 was also limited to a few matches due to injury concerns.
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Despite that, Sanju was picked by the Kochi Blue Tigers in the Kerala Premier League for a record price. He was also heavily rumoured to be making a switch to CSK ahead of the next IPL season, following reported differences with the Rajasthan Royals management.
However, those rumours were recently dismissed, with Sanju confirmed to stay with the Rajasthan Royals. He is also reportedly in contention to be India’s first-choice keeper for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.
Still, Sanju Samson’s absence from domestic red-ball competitions continues, as he was not picked in the South Zone squad for the Duleep Trophy.
Reason Behind the Snub
According to TOI, Thalaivan Sargunam, Chairman of Selectors for the South Zone, said the selection committee prioritised consistency and commitment in red-ball cricket and Sanju’s omission came down to his unavailability during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season.
"Sanju Samson was not selected because he was unavailable for much of last year’s Ranji Trophy season, when Kerala made their historic run to the final. This squad was picked based on players who have consistently performed well in the Ranji Trophy and during India A tours," Thalaivan Sargunam Xavier told TOI.
The South Zone side will be led by Tilak Varma, who comes off a brilliant run in the County Championship for Hampshire, where he scored multiple centuries across the season.
South Zone's squad for Duleep Trophy:
Tilak Varma(c), Mohammed Azharuddeen, Tanmay Agarwal, R Sai Kishore, Tanay Thyagarajan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Nidheesh MD, Ricky Bhui(wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Mohit Kale, Salman Nizar, Narayan Jagadeesan(wk), Tripurana Vijay, Basil NP, Gurjapneet Singh, Snehal Kauthankar
