In the latest development surrounding Sanju Samson’s exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, the Kerala Cricket Association’s (KCA) statement has sparked a strong reaction from one of Kerala’s most influential figures. Taking to his "X" handle, he voiced his unwavering support for Samson, as he has done on several occasions in the past. However, this time, his criticism went a step further as he pointed fingers at the system within KCA, igniting a wave of reactions across social media and fueling an intense debate online.
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Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president Jayesh George hit out at star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson on Saturday after speculation arose that his absence from Kerala’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad contributed to his exclusion from India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Samson was left out of the Kerala squad after missing the team’s three-day preparatory camp in Wayanad.
Following the announcement of India’s squad for the eight-team ICC tournament, George addressed the reasons behind Samson’s omission from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad. He made it clear that he was unsure if Samson’s absence from the VHT was the sole factor in his exclusion from the national team. “We went ahead and announced the squad, and later, he sent a message saying he was available for selection. Whether it’s Sanju Samson or any other player, KCA has a policy that must be respected,” George stated.
He further emphasized that while Samson is undoubtedly a key player, he cannot pick and choose when to represent Kerala. “We all know that Sanju doesn’t need a camp to come into the squad, but does that mean he can represent Kerala only when he feels like it? How did Samson make it to the Indian team? It was through the KCA. That doesn’t mean he can turn up only when it suits him,” said George, speaking on behalf of the KCA when asked about the situation.
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As Mentioned Before Shashi Tharoor was frustrated with the way they treated one of their best player to emerge from their state and he Tweeted this through his “X” Handle
Tharoor highlighted that Samson had informed the KCA in advance about his inability to attend a training camp scheduled between the SMA and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments. Despite this, he was promptly dropped from the squad, and now this situation has seemingly led to his exclusion from the Indian team. "The sorry saga of the Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson continues," Tharoor wrote, expressing his frustration over the issue.
As things stand, Sanju Samson finds himself on the outside, both from the Indian team and the Kerala state squad. This marks a challenging phase in his career, where he must regroup and rebuild.
For Samson, it's a fresh start, and the road to redemption lies ahead. He will now need to focus on the upcoming England T20I series, where he has an opportunity to prove his worth once again. A strong performance could pave the way for a much-needed comeback, reaffirming his place in the national team and silencing the doubts surrounding his future in Indian cricket.
