Sanju Samson’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy has sparked a debate about his chances of making India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.

With the ODI tournament being a major ICC event, selectors and the BCCI are reportedly concerned about Samson’s decision to skip the domestic competition.

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This has put a spotlight on his relationship with Kerala Cricket and its potential impact on his international future. The Vijay Hazare Trophy, a 50-over competition, plays a significant role in assessing players for ODI formats.

Samson, known for his skill as a wicketkeeper-batsman, was expected to participate. However, his unavailability raised questions, especially since no clear reason was provided.

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Now, with the selectors meeting soon to finalize the squad for the Champions Trophy, Samson’s exclusion from this tournament might weigh heavily against him.

Why did Sanju Samson skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy?

Sanju Samson did not attend Kerala’s preparatory camp for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which led the Kerala Cricket Association to exclude him from the squad. The Times of India (TOI) reported that KCA secretary Vinod S Kumar explained that they didn’t want to keep a young player’s spot uncertain because of Samson’s unclear availability.

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The BCCI is reportedly unhappy with this decision, as the board stresses the importance of domestic cricket for maintaining form and fitness. A BCCI source noted that players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer previously faced consequences for missing domestic matches without permission.

Similarly, Samson’s absence has raised concerns, especially with reports suggesting he spends much of his time in Dubai.

“The selectors and the board have been very clear on the importance of domestic cricket. Last year, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer lost central contracts for missing domestic matches without seeking permission. Even in Samson’s case, the board and selectors were not given any reason why he missed the tournament. All that is known so far is that he spends much of his time in Dubai,” BCCI sources said.

What is the role of Kerala cricket in the controversy?

Samson’s history with the Kerala Cricket Association has been rocky. While he did play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before the Vijay Hazare Trophy, his decision to skip the latter appears to have created friction.

This strained relationship could explain some of the challenges he faces in securing game time at the domestic level. However, the lack of a clear explanation for his absence complicates the matter further.

“The selectors would want a valid reason. Otherwise, it will be difficult to consider him for the ODI season. Samson has had a bitter history with the KCA, but that needs to be sorted out for him to play in domestic cricket. It can’t be that the state association and him have a misunderstanding, and he misses out on game time. He did play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy preceding the Vijay Hazare Trophy,” the source added.

What are Sanju Samson’s selection challenges for Champions Trophy 2025?

Samson is among the contenders for one of the two wicket-keeper spots in the Champions Trophy squad. The other options include Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Dhruv Jurel.

With KL Rahul recovering from injuries, his ability to keep wickets in longer formats remains uncertain. This could have opened up an opportunity for Samson, but his absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy might count against him.

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Selectors are keen on players demonstrating their readiness through domestic performances. Without Samson’s participation in this crucial tournament, his case for selection becomes harder to justify.

The BCCI’s emphasis on domestic cricket, combined with Samson’s unresolved issues with Kerala Cricket, may hurt his chances. As the selectors meet to finalize the squad, Samson’s omission from the domestic 50-over format could prove to be a decisive factor.