ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Local Fans Plan To Protest Sanju Samson's Exclusion From India's 15-Member Squad During IND vs SA T20

Disappointed with the non-inclusion of local boy Sanju Samson in the T20 World Cup squad, fans here in Thiruvananthapuram are planning to protest against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during the India-South Africa T20I to be held at the Greenfield Stadium on September 28.

Samson is presently the skipper of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals and had a good tour of the West Indies and Zimbabwe recently. Hopes were high that the 27-year-old would make it to the T20 World Cup squad but have failed to impress the national selectors and make a cut to the Indian squad for the marquee event.

Fans to wear T-Shirts with Sanju’s picture during the protest

Netizens pointed out that despite K L Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s poor run, they were considered ahead of Sanju. It is learnt that there are plans that locals may wear T-shirts with Sanju’s picture and protest against the BCCI during the T201.

Earlier this year, India National Cricket Team skipper Rohit Sharma said that Samson has got the talent and match-winning abilities. Rohit had also said that the shot-making ability of the Rajasthan Royals captain would be very valuable in Australia, where the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 will be played in October-November.

Fans vote Sanju Samson over out-of-form Rishabh Pant

In 2022, Sanju averaged 44.75 in Twenty20 matches. 24.90 for the ball. The fans come up with arguments like, “When Sanju scores, the opponent is weak. If Sanju is out, the usual accusations of his poor shot selection and lack of consistency.”

‘Everyone is keeping quiet’ – rages a cricket fan. Fans also recounted that in the last 10 innings, Sanju scored 223 runs while Pant managed to score only 170 runs.

The fans are demanding that Sanju, who was not considered in the team for the Asia Cup despite playing in the best form, should be included in the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup team. Despite their poor performance on the field, the North Indians players are preferred in the squad over South Indian players. Many people also pointed out the discrimination against Ashwin.

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