‘Find it odd that the hero of our…’ - Ajinkya Rahane questions Sanju Samson’s snub for Zimbabwe T20Is

Veteran India batter and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane has come out in support of Sanju Samson after the wicketkeeper-batter was left out of India's squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe.

The BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the tour on Monday, July 6, with Samson among the notable absentees. Alongside the Kerala batter, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh were also not included in the squad for the series, which begins on July 23 in Harare.

Samson's exclusion has been one of the biggest talking points in Indian cricket over the past few days. The 31-year-old was dropped from India's playing XI for the second T20I against England in Manchester after managing just six runs in three innings. Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replaced him in the side and retained his place for the remainder of the series.

With Samson now also missing the Zimbabwe tour, several former cricketers and experts have questioned the decision. Rahane also shared his views through an Instagram story, expressing hope that the team management had communicated the reason behind the move to the wicketkeeper-batter.

"Hope there has been some communication with @imsanjusamson. Find it odd that the hero of our recent T20 WC win has been left out of the T20 squad to Zimbabwe. Hope to see him back in the team soon," Rahane wrote.

Samson played a crucial role in India's victorious T20 World Cup 2026 campaign earlier this year. The right-handed batter scored 321 runs in five innings at an outstanding average of 80.25 and a remarkable strike rate of 199.37.

Sanju Samson rested, not dropped, for Zimbabwe T20Is

He also registered three half-centuries during the tournament and finished as the Player of the Tournament, playing a pivotal role in helping India clinch their third T20 World Cup title.

Despite his recent struggles against Ireland and England, Samson's omission from the Zimbabwe squad has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether the selectors acted too quickly after a few disappointing outings.