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A new controversy has arisen with the exclusion of Sanju Samson from the Indian team for the upcoming three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe. Hours after the team’s announcement, a new report has revealed who was really behind the big decision.
Many believed that Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir could have played a key role in Samson’s omission from the T20 squad, but the latest claims suggest a different story. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir is unhappy with Zimbabwe ignoring Sanju Samson.
Sanju Samson’s Zimbabwe snub sparks fresh selection controversy
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee announced the squad for the Zimbabwe tour on July 6, but did not clarify whether Sanju Samson has been rested or dropped.
His omission sparked massive debate as it came just days after he was dropped from India’s playing XI for the second T20I against England to make room for teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Samson came into the UK tour with high expectations after playing a big role in India’s ICC T20 World Cup-winning campaign earlier this year, where he was named player of the tournament. But after that the Kerala batsman struggled badly with the bat and could score only six runs in the three T20 matches played in Ireland and England.
Sanju Samson’s poor form opened doors for Vaibhav Suryavanshi; Selectors brought back new faces
The poor form of the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman increased the pressure on his place in the team, especially as Vaibhav Suryavanshi was waiting for his chance. The team management ultimately took the bold decision of dropping Samson from the playing eleven in Manchester and gave Vaibhav the chance to make his debut for India.
Many expected Samson to be named in the squad for the Zimbabwe series, but the selectors decided to move in a different direction. The Indian selection committee has not only picked Vaibhav Suryavanshi but also included Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh as the second wicketkeeper in the squad for the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe.
Even the national selectors have retained the rest of the top-order players including Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and vice-captain Tilak Verma, while Shreyas Iyer will lead the team.
Not Gautam Gambhir but Ajit Agarkar dropped Sanju Samson?
Now a report by Dainik Jagran journalist Abhishek Tripathi has brought a new twist to the entire episode. He revealed that the decision to drop Sanju Samson was completely taken by Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee and Gautam Gambhir had no role in this decision.
The journalist further claimed that Gambhir currently has little influence on both the team selection and the final eleven decision. He suggested that Agarkar and the selectors were taking most of the important decisions, limiting the head coach’s involvement.
He also indicated that the decision to hand Vaibhav Suryavanshi his first India cap in Manchester was primarily taken by the selectors, not Gambhir.
Abhishek Tripathi said that the decision to drop Sanju Samson was taken by Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir of the selection panel had no role in it. pic.twitter.com/Z5eBxIFeXw
– Bemba Tavuma
Notably, Gujarat Titans (GT) fast bowlers Ashok Sharma and Mayank Yadav were included for the first time in the T20 squad for the Zimbabwe tour later this month.
