Sanju Samson's absence from India's squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe has sparked widespread debate among fans and former cricketers. However, a senior BCCI source has defended the decision, insisting that the wicketkeeper-batter has been rested rather than dropped.
The BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the Zimbabwe tour, beginning on July 23, with Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singhearning a call-up in Samson's place after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign.
Samson's exclusion came after he was left out of India's playing XI for the second T20I against England, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi making his international debut in Manchester.
The Kerala batter struggled in his recent outings, scoring just six runs across three innings against Ireland and England. However, reports suggest his omission from the Zimbabwe squad is part of workload management and the selectors' plan to give opportunities to younger players during the short bilateral series.
A senior BCCI source also revealed that Samson remains in India's plans and is expected to feature in the Asian Games later this year.
"Why is this surprising that Sanju has been rested for Zimbabwe? People who are saying this should know Sanju is in the Asian Games squad in September. So those who are criticising the selection committee can do a bit of homework. What's the point of carrying Samson when he won't play? He is a senior guy," a senior source was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.
Despite his recent lean patch, Samson enjoyed a memorable T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. The right-handed batter played a key role in India's title-winning run, scoring 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37.
His outstanding performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award, while he also enjoyed a productive IPL 2026 season, registering two centuries.
However, the emergence of teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appears to have influenced the selectors' thinking, with the management keen to provide the youngster with an extended run in the T20I side.
Samson was not the only notable absentee from the Zimbabwe squad. Fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh, along with Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi, were also left out.
