'Doesn’t mean you turn up only when you feel like..': KCA president beaks silence on Sanju Samson's snub from Vijay Hazare and Champions Trophy squad

One of the biggest talking points from captain Rohit Sharma and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar's press conference on Saturday was Sanju Samson's exclusion from the Indian team for the upcoming edition of the Champions Trophy 2025. As a result of his fantastic performance in T20Is, there have been more appeals for Samson to be chosen in the team and even be India's first-choice wicketkeeper over KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.

But it was also anticipated that Samson may suffer if he missed the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The 30-year-old was reportedly cut from the Kerala team after he said he could not attend a training camp prior to the event. This was confirmed by Jayesh George, the president of the Kerala Cricket Association, who also chastised Samson for sending a "one-line text" saying that he was unable to participate in the Wayanad camp.

KCA president on Sanju Samson

George was questioned on MediaOne about whether Samson's absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy could have contributed to his snub from the Champions Trophy selection.

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"I am not sure if Samson missing the tournament was the reason he was excluded. The reason he was not added in the Vijay Hazare squad was because he sent a one-line text saying he would not be available for the 30-member preparatory camp. We were all of the impression that he would be leading the team since he is our white-ball captain and had led in the SMAT season as well," George said.

“So we went ahead and announced the squad and later he sent a message stating he is available for selection. Be it Sanju Samson or any other player, KCA has a policy in place that needs to be respected. We all know that Sanju does not need a camp to come into the squad, but is the Kerala team one that he can come and represent only when he feels like? How did Samson reach the Indian team, it was only through the KCA. That doesn’t mean you turn up only when you feel like for the Kerala team," he added.

India's Champions Trophy squad

Jasprit Bumrah's potential comeback strengthens India, the two-time champions, though his participation is still pending his fitness. As a precaution, Harshit Rana has been designated as his backup. Mohammed Shami, who returns to India's ODI lineup, will join Bumrah if he is healthy enough to play. Together with Arshdeep Singh, the nation's most impressive bowler of 2024, Bumrah and Shami will constitute India's main seam attack, which will include a powerful pace assault. Additionally, starting on February 6, this team will play in the forthcoming three-match ODI series against England.

Karun Nair had no spot in the squad despite his outstanding play. With 752 runs, including five hundreds, at an average of 752, the Vidarbha captain has been in incredible form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Only a day ago, the renowned Sachin Tendulkar took notice of his performances. However, Nair lost the selection contest because players who had played for the national team more frequently were preferred, as BCCI chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar revealed.