‘How can you do this to him?’ - Sanju Samson childhood coach slams selectors over his snub

Indian opener Sanju Samson's childhood coach, Biju George, has strongly criticised the selectors for leaving the wicketkeeper-batter out of India's squad for the Zimbabwe T20I series. After being dropped from the playing XI during the England series following three consecutive low scores, Samson also failed to secure a place in the squad for the subsequent tour of Zimbabwe.

A BCCI source reportedly said the decision was made to provide opportunities to younger players. However, George disagreed with the rationale and launched a scathing attack on the selectors.

He argued that Samson was not the only player who struggled with the bat and questioned why he alone was made to pay the price. George also said it was unfair to treat a player who had been part of India's T20 World Cup-winning campaign in such a manner. Expressing his disappointment, George questioned when Samson would get another chance to prove himself after being overlooked for the Zimbabwe tour.

“I agree he failed in three matches. But he was not the only one who failed. Right? With this talent, there is no question about his calibre. There is no question that he was your match-winner. He won you the World Cup. Now, how can you do this to him?,” George questioned as quoted by Times of India.

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Samson's T20I career has been marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with inconsistent performances. He began the year with a disappointing series against New Zealand, scoring just 46 runs in five matches. However, he bounced back in spectacular fashion at the 2026 T20 World Cup, producing match-winning knocks of an unbeaten 97, 89 and 89 in the knockout stages. His stellar performances helped India lift the title, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.

Samson carried his rich form into IPL 2026, scoring 477 runs in 14 matches. However, he endured another lean patch thereafter, registering scores of 0 and 5 against Ireland, followed by 1 in the first T20I against England before being dropped from the playing XI.

George called the decision ridiculous. He argued that dropping the reigning T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament and the captain who led India to the title was unjustified. George further claimed that neither the selectors nor chief selector Ajit Agarkar would have retained their positions had Samson not produced those three match-winning knocks during the World Cup.

“Actually, if you look at it, had Sanju not played those three consecutive brilliant innings, neither the selector would have retained his job, nor would the chief selector. The entire team would have been sacked. Right? Now, the guy, the captain who won you the World Cup, the player who was the Man of the Tournament, have been dropped, which is ridiculous,” George said.