Over the years, several players have been waiting for an opportunity to prove their skills in Indian cricket. However, no one waited this long Sanju Samson– the sensational wicket-keeper batting who time and again proved his mettle and waited for consistent opportunities in Indian cricket.
Recently, Sanju was left out of the Indian team for the Champions Trophy 2025 and ODI series against England. Many, including Sanju’s father Samson Viswanath, pointed out that the reason behind Sanju’s exclusion from the team was due to bias against the player. Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) the officials who snubbed him from being on the state teame Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Sanju’s father highlights KCA’s bias against his son
Sanju’s father expressed his disappointment over his son’s exclusion from the Kerala team, a decision which ultimately led to Sanju being left out of the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy. Although Viswanath refrained from directly criticizing KCA, his frustration with the selection process is clearly visible. In an interview with Mathrubhumi.comhe explained that the decision to leave Sanju out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad was taken even before the training camp began.
“We have never raised our voices before, but this time the situation is different. » Vishwanath said, alluding to the injustice he feels his son endured. However, despite his frustrations, Viswanath stressed the importance of resolving the issue amicably and said he was open to discussing any possible omissions.
“We just want fairness and for my son to have a fair chance to play. » Vishwanath concluded, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities in the Kerala team for his son and hoping that the issue would be addressed calmly and clearly.
Sanju’s exclusion from the Kerala and India team sparked widespread controversy, attracting support from public figures like a politician. Shashi Tharoorwho called on the KCA to ensure a more transparent and fair selection process. Although Viswanath did not accuse the KCA of wrongdoing, his comments highlight the emotional toll of the situation, as he and Sanju hope to have the opportunity to compete at the highest level, without the influence of internal politics.
Read also: Champions Trophy 2025: Shashi Tharoor slams KCA after Sanju Samson’s exclusion from Indian team
KCA revealed reasons behind Sanju’s exclusion from Kerala team
Amid widespread criticism from the cricket community over the exclusion row, KCA president Jayesh George explained the reason why the 30-year-old was left out of the state’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy in a chat with MediaOne.
“I don’t know if the fact that Samson missed the tournament was the reason he was excluded. The reason he was not added to Vijay Hazare’s squad was because he had sent a one-line text saying he would not be available for the 30-member preparatory camp. We all felt like he would lead the team since he is our white ball captain and had also led the SMAT season,” George said.
However, George denied any punitive action against Sanju and added that the decision to exclude Sanju from the team was solely due to compliance with the rules and regulations of the state team.
“We went ahead and announced the team and later he sent a message that he was available for selection. Be it Sanju Samson or any other player, KCA has a policy in place that must be followed. We all know that Sanju doesn’t need a camp to join the team, but is the Kerala team a team that he can come and represent only when he feels like it? How Samson reached the Indian team was only through KCA. This does not mean that you only turn up when you feel like being a part of the Kerala team. George concluded.