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India's T20I team selection has landed in fresh controversy as S Badrinath raised serious questions over the way some players are being treated. With India already struggling in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England, Badrinath launched a scathing attack on Gautam Gambhir over Sanju Samson treatment.
The former Indian batter has highlighted the different treatment given to Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. Badrinath believes the selection policy has not been the same for both players, and he has openly questioned why Tilak keeps getting chances while Samson pushed out after three failures.
Sanju Samson dropped, Tilak Varma backed?
Sanju Samson's omission has surprised many fans and former cricketers. The Kerala wicketkeeper was one of India's biggest stars during the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he finished as the Player of the Tournament. But after the World Cup, things are not going well for the star wicketkeeper.
The right-hander struggled to score on the Ireland tour, and then his poor form continues in the ongoing five-match T20I series in England.
After his poor performances, Samson first lost his place in India's playing XI and was then left out of the T20I squad for the upcoming Zimbabwe tour.
At the same time, Tilak Varma has continued to enjoy the support of the Indian selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir despite struggling with the bat. Amid India's struggles, AB de Villiers urges patience with Shreyas Iyer's captaincy, denies Rajat Patidar talks.
S Badrinath accuses India of double standards over Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson
Slamming the double standard, S Badrinath pointed out that Tilak has found it very difficult to score against spin bowling this year in T20Is. The cricket pundit further noted that the left-hander's numbers against spin have been poor, but he has still continued to get regular opportunities in the Indian team.
Even he accused the team management of trying to protect Tilak by using him in a finishing role where he does not have to face much spin, but that plan did not work in the third T20I against England either.
S Badrinath questioned if Samson could lose his place after just three poor scores, so why is Tilak continuing to get repeated chances despite struggling for a long time now? He stressed that the same standards should apply to every player in the squad.
S Badrinath said on his YouTube channel: “Tilak Varma has been woeful against spin in T20Is this year. He is averaging less than 23 and striking at just 91. But he remains on the sidelines, which makes me want to ask, 'Are there double standards in the Indian team?’ Samson is dropped after very few failures, but Tilak has been consistently struggling against spin yet keeps getting picked.”
S Badrinath questions why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replaced Sanju Samson
He also questioned India's decision to bring young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi into the setup while leaving Samson out. Although Badrinath praised Vaibhav as a special young talent with a bright future, he feels it is still a shocking and harsh call on the wicketkeeper-batter.
Badrinath signed off by saying, “Though Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is an unbelievable talent, whether he should have played at the cost of Sanju Samson is highly debatable. Even Samson not playing in the 11 and being given a break is acceptable. But leaving him off the squad itself is harsh and shocking.”
