Sanju Samson Under Scrutiny for Skipping Domestic Cricket Ahead of Champions Trophy 2025
Sanju Samson finds himself in hot water as the BCCI takes note of his absence from the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. With the board mandating domestic cricket participation for national team selection and central contracts, Samson’s decision to skip Kerala’s matches has raised eyebrows.
The last time Samson played competitive cricket was on December 3, 2024, during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Reports suggest he also missed Kerala’s preparatory camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, leaving selectors and BCCI officials displeased.
Where Was Samson Post-SMAT?
Instead of participating in domestic matches, Samson was spotted at the Rajasthan Royals’ high-performance center in Nagpur. The franchise has already started its IPL preparations, and Samson was seen interacting with head coach Rahul Dravid.
Champions Trophy Selection at Risk?
Samson, who last played for India in December 2024, is part of the T20I squad for the upcoming series against England. However, his place in the ODI squad—and consequently the Champions Trophy—remains uncertain. With KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant also in contention, Samson faces tough competition for a spot.
While his explosive T20 performances, including two centuries against South Africa last year, make a strong case, his recent absence from domestic cricket could hurt his chances in the mega event.