ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Sanju Samson deserved a spot in the India squad?

The Indian squad for the upcoming England One Day International (ODI) series and the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been officially announced, and it has revealed some key decisions regarding the team composition. As expected, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant have been confirmed as the two wicketkeeping options for India in the 50-over format. Both players have been integral to India’s success in recent times, and their inclusion as the primary glovemen comes as no surprise. However, one notable omission from the squad is Sanju Samson, who has been left out for the upcoming assignments. Despite his consistent performances in limited-overs cricket, Samson’s absence has raised questions, especially given his impressive recent form in domestic cricket.

Was it Rishabh Pant vs Sanju Samson for ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

It appears that the selectors have opted for KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the India squad based on their experience and overall contributions to the team, while Samson, despite his talent, has not been included in the mix for these crucial fixtures. The absence of Samson has sparked discussions regarding his future with the Indian team, as he continues to face stiff competition from established players like Rahul and Pant. With both Rahul and Pant securing their spots in the squad, it will be interesting to see how the Indian team management plans to use them in the upcoming ODIs and Champions Trophy, considering the challenges and expectations that lie ahead.

For those who may not be aware, Sanju Samson's last appearance in an ODI was during India’s 2023 tour of South Africa, where he played a crucial role in the series decider. Samson's scintillating century in that match helped India secure a 2-1 series win, underlining his potential in the 50-over format. However, since that series, India has only played three ODIs, all during their tour to Sri Lanka, and Samson was notably absent from the playing XI for all those matches. Despite his stellar performance in the past, his exclusion from the squad for the upcoming England series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has raised eyebrows.

Many have expressed surprise at his omission, including former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar, a highly respected figure in Indian cricket, voiced his disappointment over the selectors’ decision to overlook Samson, given his contribution to India's victory in South Africa. Gavaskar’s remarks reflect the growing sentiment that Samson has not been given a fair opportunity to prove himself at the international level, especially when compared to his contemporaries, who have been favored in recent selections. This decision has sparked a larger debate about India’s wicketkeeping options and the fierce competition between Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Sanju Samson. With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy around the corner, many are wondering whether Samson will get another chance to make his mark on the global stage.

“There is no excuse to leave him out. But he was pitted against Rishabh Pant, who we all know can be a game-changer. Plus, Pant is a left-hander, and he is probably the better wicketkeeper, although he might not be the better batter than Samson,” former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar told in a recent interview. 

“Pant can change the game perhaps a little more than Samson and that’s reason why Samson missed out. But Samson must not feel dejected because all Indian cricket lovers will have sympathy for him for what he has achieved,” he added.

Sanju Samson, despite being excluded from India’s squad for the upcoming ODIs and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, will get another opportunity to showcase his skills in the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. The series is set to begin on January 22 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and Samson will be eager to make the most of this chance to prove his worth to the selectors.

The Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter has always been seen as a talent with immense potential, but his inconsistency at the international level has often kept him on the fringes of the team. However, with the T20I series against a formidable England team, Samson has a perfect platform to silence his critics and make a strong case for his inclusion in future squads, especially for the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2023 World Cup. A few standout performances could drastically shift the selectors' perspective and bring his name back into contention for bigger events.

Samson will be keenly aware of the stakes, knowing that this series could be his opportunity to not just secure a place in India’s white-ball setup, but also to stake a claim as a reliable backup wicketkeeper, or even more. With competition fierce for the limited spots available, Samson will be looking to deliver performances that keep him in the selectors' minds for future assignments.