Aakash Chopra blasts Gautam Gambhir for ' randomized selection' after Sanju Samson’s T20I axing

Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has questioned the team management’s decision to play Jitesh Sharma ahead of Sanju Samson in the third T20I against Australia in Hobart. Chopra expressed surprise over the sudden change, especially since Jitesh had not played a single game during the entire Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE.

In the third T20I clash in Hobart, Australia posted a challenging total of 187 runs. India chased it down with nine balls to spare, registering their highest-ever successful chase at the venue. Jitesh Sharma, who finally got his chance, made an impact with a quickfire 22 off 13 balls.

Aakash Chopra slams India’s “Random” selection call after Sanju Samson’s shock omission

However, Aakash Chopra believes that the Indian cricket team’s selection strategy seems inconsistent. He recalled how Samson, who had been trusted through the Asia Cup 2025 and scored 132 runs at a strike rate above 120, was suddenly benched after one poor outing at No. 3 in the second T20I.

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Earlier, Samson had been moved down the order after Shubman Gill was made vice-captain and promoted as opener, adding further confusion to India’s batting plans. Chopra felt that such random changes in the lineup could unsettle players and hinted that the management still lacks clarity about India’s first-choice wicketkeeper in T20Is.

Why are we searching for logic?: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, "Jitesh Sharma has played, and Sanju Samson hasn't played. So, what does it mean? I would say do not read anything between the lines for a simple reason: we are unable to understand. Why are we searching for logic? When Shubman Gill started opening, it was assumed Jitesh Sharma would only play down the order.”

The commentator further added, “The entire Asia Cup passed, and he didn't play. First Sanju played down the order and then up the order. Sanju played in the final as well and scored a few important runs. Now you sent him at No. 3 in one inning and then dropped him after that. I know Sanju's fans will be rightly angry, but I don't see any finality in this, that he won't be there and Jitesh Sharma will only play because this was a slightly randomized selection.”

Aakash Chopra sounds alarm over Shubman Gill’s struggles in Australia

Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra has raised serious concerns over Shubman Gill’s current form, saying the Indian vice-captain is running out of time to deliver on the Australian tour. Gill, who was expected to lead India’s batting charge, has struggled for consistency in the format so far.

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In the first match in Canberra, Gill looked promising with an unbeaten 37 off 20 balls, but since then, his performances have dipped sharply. In Melbourne, he managed only five runs before being dismissed after a mistimed shot, and in Hobart, he fell cheaply again for 15 off 12 deliveries to a full-length delivery that exposed his lack of control.

Chopra believes that the pressure is now mounting on the young opener, especially with competition heating up for the top-order spots. Both Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are waiting for their chance, and Gill’s inconsistent run could open the door for a shuffle in India’s batting lineup.

He signed off by saying, “Shubman Gill needs to be spoken about because he is unable to score runs. He played well in Canberra in the first match. In Melbourne, the ball hit him on his head, and he played a slightly loose shot as well, and here he got out to an absolutely full ball. There is a question mark. You are coming under pressure. It is not a good thing.”