As reported by the Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will look into wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson's absence from the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT).
With the selectors preparing to finalize the squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy in the coming days, Samson’s failure to participate for Kerala in the prestigious domestic 50-over tournament could put his spot at risk.
The 30-year-old featured for Kerala in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) prior to the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, Samson had a tough time in the T20 competition, managing just 136 runs from five matches at an average of 27.20.
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) did not select Samson for the VHT after he informed them of his unavailability for the pre-tournament preparatory camp.
A BCCI source stated ( as quoted by TOI):
“The selectors and the board have been very clear on the importance of domestic cricket. Last year, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer lost central contracts for missing domestic matches without seeking permission."
"Even in Samson’s case, the board and selectors were not given any reason why he missed the tournament. All that is known so far is that he spends much of his time in Dubai.”
“The selectors would want a valid reason. Otherwise, it will be difficult to consider him for the ODI season. Samson has had a bitter history with the KCA, but that needs to be sorted out for him to play in domestic cricket."
"It can’t be that the state association and him have a misunderstanding, and he misses out on game time. He did play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy preceding the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” the source added.
“Sanju should be given priority"- Harbhajan Singh
Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has endorsed Sanju Samson as India’s preferred wicketkeeper for the 2025 Champions Trophy. The elegant batter has an impressive ODI record, with an average of nearly 57 and a strike rate of 99.60 from 16 matches.
Discussing the selection for the prestigious event on his YouTube channel ‘Harbhajan Turbanator Singh,’ he stated (via India Today):
“I think one among Sanju Samson or Rishabh Pant should be picked. I feel Sanju should be preferred because he had played in South Africa. Rishabh played well in Australia, but it was a long tour, so if he is rested, it’s not a big thing.”