The MSK Prasad-led selection panel on Thursday announced India’s T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming series against West Indies. And in a surprising decision, the wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson was dropped from the T20I squad.
The Kerala lad was picked into the squad for the Bangladesh T20I series after a spectacular performance in domestic cricket this year. But Samson was not given a chance to play in the series, with Rishabh Pant being preferred over him in the playing XI.
Despite Pant not scoring too many runs with the bat, and also facing criticisms over his wicketkeeping abilities, the Delhi lad was included in the limited-overs series against Windies while Samson was dropped.
The decision to leave Samson out for the upcoming T20Is has furrowed a lot of eyebrows. Fans and experts are finding it hard to comprehend the reasons behind leaving the youngster out without giving him any chance to show his mettle. It’s not much of a surprise that Twitter users have lashed out at Team India selectors.
Sanju Samson not in the squad against the West Indies. How do you drop a player without giving him a single chance? And what do you think it's doing to the confidence of the cricketer?
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj)
Very disappointed to see dropped without a chance. He carried the drinks for three T20Is & has been promptly discarded. Are they testing his batting or his heart?
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor)
Hard on Sanju Samson but I guess he is much better off playing games rather than just travelling around. Big vote of confidence in Rishabh Pant but the team will expect more from him.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
Sanju Samson losing place in the squad v West Indies without playing a game is quirky selection. Hopefully this won’t affect his morale. Samson’s exclusion means Pant doesn’t have to keep looking over his shoulder. But also means he must now deliver without delay
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah)
We all knows u are a champ ❣️
Still no place for the INDIAN who scored fastest double hundred .. shame on BCCI & selectors 🖕….— Vp (@vichu4646)
What's so special about Rishabh Pant..?? Is he the only batsman option available out here..? He is being pampered despite repeated dismal performance. Drop pant. deserves a chance
— Lijo Thomas (@lijobellmount)
Where is Sanju Samson?
Shame on BCCI
Playing a painful trick on Sanju….— Chandan Maity (@Chandan62234185)
http://twitter.com/Shaantanu_rai/status/1197530468146696200
http://twitter.com/Ankur927/status/1197555534544551937
Why Sanju samson Dropped …Nice to see senior bowlers back in T20I side…Congrats shivam dube for getting maiden ODI call up…Deepak Chahar also recalled to ODI side
— chandru suman (@chandhrusuman)
Why is Not Selected in indian team Squad Even Selectors Give More Chances To but He is Doing Nothing So Why Selectors is Doing Nothing Against him Should Gave Chance To Sanju Samson To Show his Ability On Field.!
— Suraj Thakur 👑 (@SurajTh37641566)
Sad To See Without getting any game against Bangladesh, Sanju Samson dropped from Indian T20I Squad for WI Series..
— Rajesh Khilare (@Cricrajeshpk)
http://twitter.com/keep_it_cooool/status/1197517957250703360
Again Rishabh Pant is in the team for Both T20Is and Odis. Atleast in T20Is, he didn't merit a place after 2 bad Series vs Saf and Ban. But I think God and BCCI are very kind on him. Dropped Sanju Samson even without playing him. BCCI selectors are actually fools.
— Rishabh Wadhwa (@Cric_Rishabh)
Where the hell is Sanju Samson
— Abhishek (@sharmaji0810)
Why no Sanju Samson? What gift do you get from Rishabh Pant? Ghar ka kam kartahe kya?
— Arindam Roy (@Arindam96749428)
why is sanju Samson dropped frm th squad.. on what grounds ?? Why is rishab pant retained!? this is not right at all.. u are killing a talent with north n south lobbying
— Akshay 🇮🇳 (@iamakshay_007)
