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Sanju Samson's omission from India's T20I squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe has become one of the biggest talking points among the Indian cricket fraternity. Amid the criticism, former India opener Aakash Chopra has now openly questioned the selectors' approach.
The former Indian batter believes that the wicketkeeper-batter has been treated unfairly despite playing a key role in India's T20 World Cup-winning campaign earlier this year. Who dropped Sanju Samson vs Zimbabwe? Report reveals role of India's decision-makers!
Aakash Chopra questions selectors' thinking after Sanju Samson's snub
Sanju Samson found himself in a tough spot after he managed only six runs in three T20Is during the Ireland and ongoing England tours. The selectors decided to move ahead with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and also handed Punjab Kings wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh his maiden India call-up.
However, Aakash Chopra feels the decision has been far too harsh on Samson, who has already proved himself on the international stage. Chopra stressed that there is a big difference between resting a player for tactical reasons and completely moving on from him after a few poor performances. He slammed the selectors and team management's approach.
The cricket pundit made it clear that he has no problem with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi getting opportunities, but he questioned whether giving one player an opportunity should come at the cost of completely pushing another proven performer out of the team. He also pointed out that there is no guarantee Vaibhav will continue performing in every series.
Aakash Chopra slams Sanju Samson snub, fires big question over Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, "It doesn't happen that you make a place for someone, and that's why you make the other person completely disappear. And who is the person? The person is the one who has won you the World Cup.
It's not somebody who is a non-performer. He failed in three innings, and you have forgotten everything. I mean, that worries me a little. It hurts my heart a little. Because what is the guarantee that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will continue to do well?”
Chopra wondered whether constantly changing players is really the best way to build a settled T20 side. He added, “And if Vaibhav doesn't do well, then you have already turned towards Prabhsimran Singh. But is that a long-term plan? Because Sanju is not 35 or 38 years old.”
Sanju Samson still has age on his side
Chopra admitted that Samson has often struggled with consistency during his career, but what he did for India should not be forgotten. He said that some tough calls are unavoidable, but they should also be balanced and fair, and he really felt sorry for Samson.
He signed off by saying, “Sanju is still a young man. Who gets old at the age of 31? His career has been a little inconsistent. There is no doubt about it. And sometimes you have to make tough decisions. I was listening to Ravichandran Ashwin as well. And he was absolutely right. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions. You have to make someone sit outside. But it is ugly and it is not very nice.”
