KOLKATA: The six that Sanju Samson smashed at Eden Gardens last night metaphorically hit the face of the Indian team selectors. Despite being in blistering form and setting a record with two T20 centuries against South Africa, he was left out of India's Champions Trophy squad, and this was his answer.

In the first T20 against England, Sanju scored 26 runs off 20 balls. Of this, 22 runs, including four fours and a six, came in pacer Gus Atkinson’s first over. If Sanju continues in this form, the selectors won’t be able to ignore him for long.

According to reports, Coach Gautam Gambhir had argued for Sanju to be included in the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy as the primary wicketkeeper, but Captain Rohit Sharma and Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar opted for Rishabh Pant instead. Sanju’s exclusion drew criticism from many, including Sunil Gavaskar. Sanju’s last ODI opportunity was during the South African tour, where he scored a century (108) and was named Man of the Match.

Though designated as the first reserve, no official reserve players have been announced for the Champions Trophy squad. There is a strong demand for Sanju to be included as a replacement if any of the current 15-member squad suffers an injury. Changes to the team can be made until February 13.

KCA controversy

There were claims that Sanju’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad was due to his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) had dropped Sanju from the Kerala team for the Vijay Hazare trophy after he informed the association via email that he would not be attending the training camp ahead of the tournament. Although Sanju later expressed his willingness to play, the decision was not reconsidered.

Outstanding performance ignored?

In 2024, Sanju scored 436 runs at a strike rate of 180.16 in 13 T20 matches for India, including three centuries and one half-century. He also hit the most sixes (31) in T20s last year. Currently, Sanju is ranked 17th in the ICC batting rankings.