Cricketer Sanju Samson‘s absence from Kerala’s preparatory camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 led to his exclusion from the tournament by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). This decision, in turn, played a role in the India selectors overlooking the wicketkeeper-batter for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with Rishabh Pant being preferred instead.

The situation has sparked a wave of controversy, especially after the KCA provided clarification on why they did not select Samson for the 50-over competition, despite his impressive form. Samson was expected to feature for Kerala following standout performances in the series against Bangladesh and the subsequent tour of South Africa. In response to the KCA’s statement, Samson’s father, Vishwanath, has come out in defense of his son, making strong allegations against the board.

“There are certain individuals within the KCA who seem to have an issue with my son. We’ve always kept quiet about such matters, but this time it’s gone too far. Sanju wasn’t the only player who missed the camp, yet others in the same situation were still given the chance to play,” Samson’s father was quoted as saying by Mathrubhumi English.

“It’s not about people like Jayesh George (KCA President) or Vinod S Kumar (Board Secretary); it’s some smaller individuals in between who tend to blow things out of proportion over trivial issues. We are athletes, not involved in the business side of sports. All we ask is for my son to be given a fair opportunity to play. If there’s a mistake, we are open to talking about it and correcting it,” he further added.

Despite the controversies, Samson is set to return to international action in the upcoming T20I series against England. The wicketkeeper-batter is likely to open the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma and will be keen to carry forward his excellent form in the shortest format. Having been named Player of the Series during India’s tour of South Africa, Samson will be looking to replicate that success and make a significant impact in the England series.