Sanju Samson has experienced the extreme highs and lows of cricket this year. From winning the Player of the Tournament award in the T20 World Cup in March, the wicketkeeper-batter has now been left out of the side for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe later this month.
He was replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the second T20I against England on July 4. This was after he had registered scores of 5, 0, and 1 in the two T20Is in Ireland and the first one in England. However, before
these three dismal scores, Samson had smashed 97* in a virtual quarter-final against the West Indies, 89 in the semi-final against England, and 89 in the final against New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.
According to reports, sources close to the BCCI have mentioned that Samson has been rested. However, for a player who plays only one format in international cricket, being rested seems for a T20I series seems odd, especially because India are not playing as many T20Is as they did last year.
Did India make the right decision by snubbing Samson? Let's take a closer look.
3 reasons why Sanju Samson's India snub makes sense
3. Work on the basics when not playing
Sanju Samson has time and again showed that when he is on song, there are not many better batters than him in white-ball cricket. However, consistency is something that has deserted him at various stages of his career. The right-handed batter blew hot and cold during IPL 2026, where he played for his new franchise, Chennai Super Kings. Apart from the two centuries he scored, there were not too many innings to write home about.
Samson had lost his place in the playing XI heading into the World Cup after a forgettable series against New Zealand. However, he found form during the marquee event. The inconsistency has been consistent with Samson. He would like to use the break he is getting to work on the basics as well as the mental side of the game.
2. India need genuine finisher in Hardik Pandya's absence
India have several top-order batters in their line-up who have been performing well. However, with Hardik Pandya not being part of the ongoing T20Is against England, the Zimbabwe series, and the subsequent Asian Games, India need players who can finish matches. They have relied on the likes of Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and more recently, Harshit Rana. However, none of them have been able to give much confidence in the finisher's role.
In the squad for the Zimbabwe tour, India have recalled Rinku Singh, who is a very capable finisher. Now that Samson has been left out and Ishan Kishan will take the gloves, it opens up a spot in the lower-middle order, where Rinku can be a great fit. The southpaw's exemplary fielding skills also make him a valuable asset for any team.
1. An extended run for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, chance to groom Prabhsimran Singh
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is only 15 years old. He had a scintillating IPL campaign this year, finishing with most runs and winning the Orange Cap. The left-handed batter played a significant role in helping the Rajasthan Royals to the playoffs. Sooryavanshi has done well not just in the IPL or the India U-19 level but has also impressed for the India A team. However, international cricket is a different ball game altogether.
Without Samson in the squad, Sooryavanshi will not feel too much pressure. Had the veteran been in the team, there would have been extra pressure on Sooryavanshi to perform or get replaced. Also, Prabhsimran Singh has replaced Samson, and it is a deserving call-up for a young wicketkeeper-batter who has been brilliant in T20 cricket in the last two seasons. Spending time with the national team will help Prabhsimran groom his skills and become a better version of himself. With the talent that he possess, he can serve Indian cricket for a long time.
