The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) president, Jayesh George, voiced his dissatisfaction with Sanju Samson on January 18, following rumors and speculation that his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad might have influenced his exclusion from India’s Champions Trophy squad. The Champions Trophy, set to begin in February, was a highly anticipated event, with many cricket enthusiasts hoping to see some of the best Indian players, including Samson, in action. However, when the squad was announced, Samson was one of the prominent names missing, which led to a great deal of discourse in the cricket community regarding the potential reasons behind his omission.
Samson’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad, which followed his decision to skip a crucial preparatory camp with the state team, became a focal point for many discussions. Several analysts and experts, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, suggested that this could have been a decisive factor in Samson not making the cut for the Champions Trophy. The notion of Samson’s lack of participation in domestic cricket tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy seemed to create an impression of him not being fully committed to the state side, which could have negatively impacted his chances at national selection.
Despite these discussions, George didn’t completely attribute Samson’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad to his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The KCA president shed light on the fact that Samson had communicated his unavailability for the state team’s preparatory camp in a very casual and brief manner – with a one-line text. George revealed that this message was crucial in prompting the KCA to finalize and announce the squad without any further delay. According to George, the communication from Samson was unexpected, especially considering that Samson had previously been seen as a key player and the likely leader of the squad, given his role as Kerala’s white-ball captain and his leadership in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) season.
"I am not sure if Samson missing the tournament was the reason he was excluded," George admitted during his statements. "The reason he was not added to 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 further elaborated that after the squad had already been announced, Samson reached out and indicated his availability for selection. However, George made it clear that this late change in stance was inconsistent with KCA’s policies. Samson, despite being one of Kerala's most talented players and having represented India in various formats, could not simply choose to represent the state team at his convenience, particularly when state policies and squad planning were in place.
"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," George emphasized. "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 it? 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 it for the Kerala team."
These comments by George highlight an underlying tension between the player’s international commitments and the requirements of state-level cricket. Samson, who has shown incredible potential on the international stage, is well-regarded for his abilities in white-ball cricket, having recently scored three centuries in his last five T20I matches. However, this domestic snub and the public comments made by George seem to suggest that Samson’s attitude toward state commitments could have contributed to his absence from the Champions Trophy squad, despite his strong form.
The situation underscores the delicate balance players must maintain between their duties to domestic cricket and the national team. While international cricketers like Samson are often exempt from some of the rigors of domestic cricket, they must still show respect and dedication to the system that helped develop them. The KCA’s stance, in particular, suggests that players cannot simply pick and choose when they want to represent the state team. For a player of Samson’s caliber, who has had several successful stints with the national team, his absence from key domestic tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy can have serious implications for his chances of being selected for the national squad.
From a broader perspective, this controversy also brings to light the challenges Indian cricket faces when balancing the demands of international cricket with those of domestic tournaments. State associations have the responsibility of selecting players who are not only skilled but also committed to the growth and success of their respective teams. Samson’s situation serves as a reminder that no matter how talented a player may be, respect for the structure of domestic cricket is still critical for continued success at the international level.
Despite this controversy, Samson’s form remains strong, especially in white-ball formats. In his recent outings for India, he has been in superb touch, scoring heavily and consistently in T20 internationals. His three centuries in five T20I matches have highlighted his exceptional skill and temperament for the shorter formats of the game. Yet, the challenge Samson faces now is to regain the trust of the Kerala Cricket Association and prove that his commitment to the team is unwavering, ensuring that he remains a top contender for selection in future tournaments like the Champions Trophy.
As the cricketing world turns its focus toward the 2025 Champions Trophy and the upcoming series, all eyes will be on whether Samson can resolve his domestic tensions and maintain his spot in India’s plans for the future. With so much talent at his disposal, the ball is now firmly in his court to show that he is both willing and able to represent his state team with the same level of dedication he shows for his national side.
