India’s wicketkeeper-batter, Sanju Samson, finds himself in a precarious situation ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Following his decision to skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy and his recent lack of participation in domestic cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly raised concerns about his commitment. The BCCI has made it clear that players must be actively involved in domestic competitions when not on national duty to be considered for selection and central contracts, putting Samson’s future with the Indian team in question.
Samson’s Recent Absence from Domestic Cricket
Sanju Samson, who last played in a competitive match on December 3, 2024, during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Kerala, has not featured in any domestic cricket since. Samson’s decision to make himself unavailable for the Vijay Hazare Trophy—India’s premier 50-over competition—has sparked a wave of concern among BCCI officials and selectors. This move contradicts the board’s directive for players to stay active in domestic cricket to maintain eligibility for national selection.
In fact, Samson’s absence from the domestic scene became even more evident when he missed the Kerala preparatory camp ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With the BCCI’s emphasis on domestic performance as a key criterion for national selection, this situation has raised questions about his place in the Indian squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Sanju Samson’s Focus on IPL and Personal Life
Following his participation in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Samson was seen at the Rajasthan Royals’ High-Performance Centre in Nagpur, where the franchise is gearing up for the 2025 IPL season under the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid. The duo shared a light moment, but it seems Samson’s focus shifted more towards IPL preparation rather than contributing to domestic cricket.
Additionally, it has been reported that post-SMAT, Samson was holidaying in the United Arab Emirates with his wife, further fueling speculation about his commitment to domestic cricket. These off-field engagements, coupled with his decision to skip crucial domestic tournaments, have only added to the concerns regarding his availability for national selection.
Will Sanju Samson Be Selected for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
Despite his recent inactivity in domestic cricket, Sanju Samson was named in India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against England, starting on January 22, 2025. However, questions remain about his place in the Indian squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place in Dubai.
The 30-year-old’s chances of making the cut for the prestigious tournament appear uncertain, especially with strong contenders like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the mix. Moreover, with Samson’s limited participation in recent 50-over cricket, his ODI credentials remain under scrutiny. However, his remarkable performances in T20Is, including two centuries against South Africa during India’s tour last year, continue to solidify his place in the shorter formats.
Previous Instances of BCCI’s Strict Stance
Sanju Samson isn’t the only player facing BCCI’s wrath for skipping domestic cricket. Last year, both Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were dropped from consideration for BCCI’s central contracts after they failed to participate in domestic tournaments, despite the board’s clear mandate. With the BCCI keen on enforcing this rule, Samson could face a similar fate if he continues to neglect his domestic commitments.
Conclusion: A Crucial Crossroad for Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson’s future in international cricket hinges on how he navigates the current situation. His lack of participation in domestic cricket has raised red flags with the BCCI, and with the ICC Champions Trophy fast approaching, his selection remains uncertain. While he remains a strong contender for T20I roles, his chances in the ODI setup are complicated by his recent no-shows in domestic competitions.
As the BCCI continues to uphold its strict selection criteria, it will be crucial for Sanju Samson to prove his commitment to the game and align his career with the expectations set by the board. Only time will tell whether Samson can bounce back from this predicament and secure his spot in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
