Why Sanju Samson didn't deserve to be dropped: 3 Key Reasons

The Indian selectors announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, beginning on July 23, and one omission has dominated the headlines was the experienced campaigner Sanju Samson.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who played a pivotal role in India's successful ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, was left out of the squad. While the BCCI has not officially clarified the reason behind his absence, reports suggest the selectors have opted to move ahead with other players for the Zimbabwe tour.

Samson endured a difficult series against Ireland and failed to make an impact in the first T20I against England. However, considering his recent exploits and the role he has played in India's T20 setup, his exclusion has raised several questions.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Samson's omission is the lack of continuity. The Kerala-born cricketer has often had to fight for opportunities despite delivering when it mattered the most.

As an aggressive opener, Samson's game revolves around attacking the bowlers from the outset. Such players are bound to fail occasionally, especially while playing high-risk cricket. Dropping him after a few low scores could affect his confidence and force him to move away from his natural style of batting.

With teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi also pushing for a regular place in the XI, Samson's path back into the side could become even tougher. A longer run in the team would have allowed him to play with greater freedom and confidence.