Aakash Chopra has expressed bewilderment at the treatment Sanju Samson has received from the selectors. Chopra finds it perplexing that Samson has been left out of both India’s 15-member World Cup squad, where KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan are the designated keeper-batters, and the Asian Games squad led by Ruturaj Gaikwad. Samson, aged 28, has not found a place in either team.
In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, Chopra delved into Sanju Samson’s omission from the World Cup, the forthcoming series against Australia, and his absence from the Asian Games squad.
“I am both surprised and concerned about Sanju Samson’s absence from the Asian Games team. He was initially a reserve for the Asia Cup, but now he’s not included in the squad for the Australia series either. My current observation is that Ishan Kishan may not be used as an opener; instead, Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad might open. Ishan Kishan is likely to feature in the middle order, with the team management providing him ample opportunities to establish his position there,” he remarked.
Chopra also noted that while Samson’s omission from the Australia series is somewhat understandable due to his exclusion from the World Cup squad, there is no clear rationale for leaving him out of the Asian Games squad.
“I believe Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the Asian Games squad would have been appropriate. It’s essential to provide him with opportunities to play. While he may not be part of the World Cup squad, it’s unfair to suggest that he isn’t good enough for the Asian Games. Considering how close he came to making the World Cup squad, he certainly should have been a part of the Asian Games team. In fact, he could have even taken on the role of captain,” stated Chopra.