Sanju Samson's exclusion from India's T20I setup has once again become a major talking point among fans, analysts and former cricketers. Despite entering
2025 as one of India's most explosive performers in the format, the 31-year-old finds himself sidelined even as India's top-order continues to struggle for consistency.
Samson finished 2024 as one of the best T20I batters in the world, smashing 436 runs in 13 matches at a phenomenal strike rate of 180.16, including three centuries, an International rarity in a single year. His unbeaten 109 from 56 balls in the final match of 2024 appeared to seal his place heading into the next season. Yet, 2025 has told a very different story in terms of opportunities.
A Tale of Three Batters: Samson Out, Others Struggling
While Samson's 2025 numbers-185 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 120.91-do not mirror his 2024 dominance, they also do not tell the full story. India experimented heavily with his batting position, using him as a floater rather than in his preferred opening or number four role where he has historically excelled.
In contrast: Shubman Gill's T20I innings in 2025: 20*, 10, 5, 47, 29, 4, 12, 37*, 5, 15, 46, 29*, 4
Across 13 innings, Gill has not crossed 50 even once, yet he continues to retain his place and is backed strongly by the team management due to his vice-captaincy role.
Suryakumar Yadav's T20I innings in 2025: 0, 12, 14, 0, 2, 7*, 47*, 0, 5, 12, 1, 39*, 1, 24, 20, 12
The world's top-ranked T20 batter has also endured an inconsistent run, including multiple single-digit scores this year.
Sanju Samson's T20I innings in 2025:
26, 5, 3, 1, 16, 56, 13, 39, 24, 2: Apart from a fine 56 off 45, Samson rarely got the stability of role that Gill and Suryakumar enjoy.
Still, his exclusion after outshining both players in 2024 remains a major talking point.
Samson's 2024 vs 2025: Two Contrasting Chapters
| Year | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 | 12 | 2 | 436 | 111 | 43.60 | 242 | 180.16 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 35 | 31 |
| 2025 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 185 | 56 | 18.50 | 153 | 120.91 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 10 |
The dip is visible, but Samson's supporters argue that no other Indian batter has been shuffled around as much and that his 2024 dominance warranted a longer rope.
Old Gambhir Tweets Resurface as Fans Question Selection Logic
The situation has triggered social media debate, especially after older posts by India head coach Gautam Gambhir resurfaced. In those tweets, Gambhir had strongly criticised the previous management for overlooking Samson.
In 2019, Gambhir posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Sanju Samson is currently the best wicketkeeper batter in India. For me he should be batting number four in the World Cup. "
I normally don’t like to talk about individuals in cricket. But seeing his skills I am glad to note that Sanju Samson is currently the best Wicketkeeper batsman in India. For me he should be batting number 4 in the World Cup @BCCI @rajasthanroyals @IPL @StarSportsIndia
- Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 29, 2019
In 2020, backing Samson Gambhir had further tweeted: "It is weird that the only playing eleven Sanju Samson does not find a place is that of India. "
It’s weird that the only playing eleven Sanju Samson doesn’t find a place is that of India, rest almost everyone is ready for him with open arms @rajasthanroyals @IPL @BCCI
- Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 22, 2020
Fans now question why Samson, a player Gambhir once championed, is not finding the same level of backing under his tenure.
Domestic Form Strengthens Samson's Case
In the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Elite 2025, Samson has been in excellent touch for Kerala with scores of: 51, 19, 43, 1, 46, 73*. The contrast is stark - Samson is scoring freely at the domestic level, while India's T20I top-order continues to falter.
With India building toward the next global T20 event, selection calls will become more scrutinised. Samson remains one of India's cleanest hitters and among the few players capable of batting both as an opener and a middle-order enforcer.
Whether the management reconsiders him or sticks with a leadership-backed Gill and a highly rated Suryakumar may define the narrative going forward. For now, fans continue to believe that India are leaving out one of their most dynamic T20 batters.
