Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar shared his thoughts on India's decision to select Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the teams for both the ODI series against England at home and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Cup 2025.
On Saturday 18 January, the Indian selectors surprised many with some of their bold and unexpected calls, including snubbing Mohammed Siraj, elevating Shubman Gill as vice-captain, and dropping Sanju Samson for both the England series and the eight-nation ICC tournament.
Sunil Gavaskar reacts to choosing Rishabh Pant over Sanju Samson for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The Indian selector received the harsh decision on Samson despite his impressive performances in T20 cricket in 2024, which included two centuries against South Africa and one against Bangladesh. Even Samson's numbers in ODI cricket look stronger, with an average of 56.66 compared to Pant's 33.50.
But with just 16 caps under his belt, Samson's limited experience may have played a role in the selection of Pant, who has proven his ability to shift momentum in crucial matches. Reports have claimed that the Indian wicket-keeper-batsman's refusal to play in the ongoing 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy played a major role in his exclusion from the 2025 Champions Trophy squad.
However, the former Indian captain felt it was a strategic decision to go ahead and select Rishabh Pant over Samson. Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that Rishabh Pant's left-handed batting skills and exceptional wicket-keeping skills are the main reasons behind the selectors' decision to leave Sanju Samson out of the upcoming prestigious tournament.
Sanju Samson should not feel depressed: Sunil Gavaskar
However, the legendary Indian cricketer acknowledged Samson's achievements and said that he sympathizes with the entire nation over his snub, but advised the talented wicketkeeper-batsman to stay positive and use this setback as motivation for future opportunities.
India Today quoted Sunil Gavaskar as saying: “It is very difficult because the guy scores hundreds and hundreds of runs. There is no excuse to leave him out. But he faced Rishabh Pant, who we all know can be a game-changer. In addition, Rishabh Pant is A left-handed player, probably the better wicket-keeper, although he may not be better than Samson Pant can change the game maybe a little more than Samson which is why Samson should be missed Isn't Samson frustrated that all Indian cricket fans will sympathize with him for what he has achieved.
Shashi Tharoor slams KCA over false allegations against Sanju Samson
Recently, Kerala politician Shashi Tharoor slammed the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) over their false claims about Samson refusing to play in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy preparatory camp.
Notably, KCA said that it had dropped Sanju from the VHT team due to his refusal to attend the camp and this eventually led to the Indian cricketer losing his place in the Indian cricket team for the upcoming event.
Shashi Tharoor posted on He was dropped from the team – which has now led to Sanju being dropped from the Indian team.
The batsman who had the highest score of 212* in Hazare, and who averages 56.66 in ODIs for India (including a century in his last outing, against South Africa) has had his career ruined by the arrogance of cricket managers. Doesn't it bother KCA officials that by excluding Sanju, they have ensured that Kerala does not even reach the Hazare quarter-finals? Where does this leave him?
The unfortunate story of Kerala Cricket Association and Sanju Samson – The player wrote to KCA in advance, expressing his regret at not being able to attend a training camp between the SMA and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments, and was immediately dropped from the team. Now lead…
-Shashi Tharoor (@shashitharoor) January 18, 2025
